⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Fivestar4everMVP]

Today we only have one game, which will be Leeds United against Nottingham Forest. Interesting fact about these two teams:

Nottingham Forest = 24 games, 7 wins, 17th position

Leeds United = 24 games, 6 wins, 16th position

Bookmakers are placing Leeds United as favorites:

Leeds United @2.22; Draw @3.35; Nottingham Forest @3.45

Leeds United are strong when playing at home, but I believe both teams will score and there will be a draw.

Its so surprising how the bookies knew that Leeds was going to win the match because I see Nottingham Forest as a better team than Leeds but it seems there are other factors playing out here rather than the name. One of those factors I think should be home advantage, something that Leeds treasure so much. They have shown great resilience at home than most of the big clubs, so it is understandable why they are defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0.

I just came online to check the current scores on this match since I am not home to watch the match and was surprised to see lead leading the match with 3 goals to nothing from Nottingham forest, it's surprising to be honest because just like you, ive thought that Nottingham forest were far better than Leeds united and may likely win this match, but am shocked to see that Leeds united even lead the first half with two goals to nothing from their opponent, and just a few minutes into the second half, they scored another goal making their total goals three.

I was mistaken here since I initially placed a bet on Nottingham forest, I saw the odds and though the bookmarker lost it on this one giving Nottingham forest a better odds than Leeds united, I didn't know they already knew something about Leeds united that I myself didn't know 😁, rip my money on this one, better luck on me next time.

[khiholangkang]

That's true, the praise is worthy. What will be tested is his consistency, this time he's only had 3 wins in a row, so there's still a lot to catch up on because if he's only able to give a breakthrough for a little while I think the management will also think twice about keeping him, plus Manchester United are cruel in firing their coach if he's no longer productive.
There is a chance if we continue to win like before, but the opposing team will definitely look for loopholes in the strategy that Carrick has developed. If they find loopholes, I think Manchester United won't have much hope.

Many mind are still doubting Manchester United and we can not blame them for that, because it will be risky to put a trust on them, no matter the improvement with their recent performance. Manchester is a team that is tricky in so many ways.

For those persons that want to bet on this game, we can see that Manchester United have the smallest odd to bet on and tottenham is have about 4 odds to win this game, and this is one thing about United, they will be having bigger odd to win, then they will start performing well, to have a small odd, then they will fully disappoint thousands that will hope on them.

Many doubted them because they hadn't previously played a perfect match, stemming from their inconsistency in every match they played. That's why many still doubt Manchester United. Even though we've seen how Manchester United can beat top teams, there's no guarantee they can do it consistently.
However, Tottenham's performance is also declining, even worse than Manchester United's this season. They should still be able to win, judging by their previous matches. For now, Tottenham are not difficult to beat.

[ITExpert]

While I agree that Carrick definitely looks like he is doing great, specially compared to Amorim, I think he created a big trouble for himself. Normally this team isn't this good, and they won the first three games, so Carrick is seen as a great manager who will do wonderfully.

However, there is a reason why all the past managers did badly with this team, and one day Carrick will realize that, and team will start to do not so great. When that day comes and when they do that badly, we are going to see how they end up hating Carrick as well. In reality, this three games were probably flukes, sure he can do better than Amorim but that is not really an achievement, if he starts to lose, I hope people won't be too harsh on him.

Beside everything what is more important or more working is only this that Carrick is really doing a great job and his presence is worthy in the Manchester United team. Because Manchester United is a team which is facing their worst time from a very long time period. And every coach practiced their policies but nothing worked in the favour of the team. And I think Carrick has a benefit that he knows that how every coach was tried to make the team better and more reliable. But this has to accept that Carrick's policy is worked and the team's performance is also very loud after so long. This is very beneficial for the Carrick as well that he is successful in grabbing a team in the light from their very dark. And if the team keeps going on under this successful strategy this is not too far they will be successful.

[justinlamode]

I was mistaken here since I initially placed a bet on Nottingham forest, I saw the odds and though the bookmarker lost it on this one giving Nottingham forest a better odds than Leeds united, I didn't know they already knew something about Leeds united that I myself didn't know 😁, rip my money on this one, better luck on me next time.

Nottingham Forest have been a big mess in the later part of the season despite starting very well. If you sample their last nine premier league matches, you will notice that they have won only three of them, drew two and lost four of them. This poor result shifted them from a champions league hopeful to a team just surviving being in the apex league. As they lose tonight, they might slide back into depression which was where they came from and were trying to pick themselves up. Maybe the coach will work on their psychology so that they don't allow this loss weigh them down.

[eightdots]

While I agree that Carrick definitely looks like he is doing great, specially compared to Amorim, I think he created a big trouble for himself. Normally this team isn't this good, and they won the first three games, so Carrick is seen as a great manager who will do wonderfully.

However, there is a reason why all the past managers did badly with this team, and one day Carrick will realize that, and team will start to do not so great. When that day comes and when they do that badly, we are going to see how they end up hating Carrick as well. In reality, this three games were probably flukes, sure he can do better than Amorim but that is not really an achievement, if he starts to lose, I hope people won't be too harsh on him.

Beside everything what is more important or more working is only this that Carrick is really doing a great job and his presence is worthy in the Manchester United team. Because Manchester United is a team which is facing their worst time from a very long time period. And every coach practiced their policies but nothing worked in the favour of the team. And I think Carrick has a benefit that he knows that how every coach was tried to make the team better and more reliable. But this has to accept that Carrick's policy is worked and the team's performance is also very loud after so long. This is very beneficial for the Carrick as well that he is successful in grabbing a team in the light from their very dark. And if the team keeps going on under this successful strategy this is not too far they will be successful.

It wouldn't be right to criticize Carrick while he's doing a great job, because when you achieve success, you deserve support. There are some shortcomings in the team, but overlooking those shortcomings and ensuring the team is well-prepared isn't easy. Many people have failed to do this before, and it would be unfair to criticize someone who is succeeding now.

Criticism and suggestions should only be made if the team starts losing points and continues to play poorly. Everyone wants their team to play at its best and never lose, but that's impossible in football.

[Jaycoinz]

One game that looks tricky to me this weekend is the game between Arsenal and Sunderland, Sunderland this season is one team that one can't predict due to the way that they has been performing ever since getting promotions to the premier League. Arsenal should not underrate Sunderland because Arsenal will be doing themselves much harm if they decide to take Sunderland for granted going into this game. This is because football especially the premier League is full of surprises and Arsenal should take approach this game as if they are playing a top team.

Sunderland performed quite well in the first leg of their Premier League match against Arsenal, managing to draw 2-2. The main reason they were able to hold Arsenal to a draw was because they were playing at home. R Le Bris, a Sunderland player, tried to implement a strategy by moving advertising boards to the sidelines to narrow the space for the opposition to use long throws. As we know, under Arteta's guidance, this strategy is quite effective in creating deadly chances from the sidelines. And it was evident in that match that Arsenal looked helpless, with quite limited space, this strategy did not work. Meanwhile, in the upcoming match, Arsenal will be playing at home, they will be in control of the pitch, and I predict that Arsenal will win this match quite easily.

Arsenal will be hosting Sunderland at home, the Emirates stadium, and this is something that will be very difficult for Sunderland to stand and face them play at home. It will be very difficult for Sunderland to have a win or a draw in this one. Although we saw how they played in the first leg, well that is the first league, not now that Arsenal is looking for every win to keep the run as the top team on the table. I believe Arsenal will get a clean win in this game.

[LGD2Business]

I looked at all the matches Wolves earned points in this season, Agbadou didn't start in any of them. He only came on as a substitute in two of them. Wolves may have done the right thing by selling him. But I hope the reason is that the team is generally poor. Agbadou might be more comfortable playing in Türkiye than in the Premier League. Wolves have mostly played with a three-man and five-man defense. I don't know why they insist on the 3-5-2 formation even though it hasn't worked. Relegation this season is almost certain. Unless they pull off a miracle in the remaining 14 matches, that's how it looks.

[hmbdofficial]

 Do you think  Cole Palmer's recent poor run of form is  really because of his groin and toe injury or as a result of the speculation of him not being happy about his environment in west London?
  I wonder if any of these reasons could be why he's been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Well, injuries can actually cause a decline in a player’s performance which often takes some time to fully recover i do not doubt his ability when I watch i see tired foots i think he needs to rest more groin injury cost some players 6 weeks to fully recover so I was surprise to see him back at the training in less than those weeks in as much as you need a player in the squad you can’t stretch too much that might less to another injury which may be more severe.
As for linking him with a move to old Trafford I believe it’s just a rumour and a wish for the united fans he loves what he’s doing at London and he’s enjoying the treatment he’s being given the coach is also happy with him so why should he force a move allegedly.

[pawel7777]

Nottm Forest are nowhere near their prior season form. They have just lost 3-1 to Leeds and are now placed 17th, just above the relegation zone. They have 6-point advantage over 18th West Ham, but have one more game played.
Fixtures and odds for Saturday/Sunday matches (by 2up.io):

Manchester United x1.59 Vs Tottenham x4.81; Draw x4.54
Bournemouth x2.68 Vs Aston Villa x2.43; Draw x3.66
Wolves x4.58 Vs Chelsea x1.69; Draw x4.03
Fulham x2.12 Vs Everton x3.61; Draw x3.23
Burnley x3.16 Vs West Ham x2.23; Draw x3.42
Arsenal x1.23 Vs Sunderland x13.00; Draw x6.10
Newcastle x2.07 Vs Brentford x3.44; Draw x3.53
Brighton x1.95 Vs Crystal Palace x3.69; Draw x3.56
Liverpool x2.31 Vs Manchester City x2.80; Draw x3.67

I wonder if Michael Carrick will have his 4th win in a row with Man United. They are favourites against Tottenham, but the London club is a bit unpredictable and can cause United some problems.
Liverpool Vs Man City is probably the most interesting one. It's not quite a game at the top, as Liverpool dropped outside of the top 5, but still, they are one of the biggest clubs of the EPL.

[KingsDen]

Nottm Forest are nowhere near their prior season form. They have just lost 3-1 to Leeds and are now placed 17th, just above the relegation zone. They have 6-point advantage over 18th West Ham, but have one more game played.
Fixtures and odds for Saturday/Sunday matches (by 2up.io):

Manchester United x1.59 Vs Tottenham x4.81; Draw x4.54
Bournemouth x2.68 Vs Aston Villa x2.43; Draw x3.66
Wolves x4.58 Vs Chelsea x1.69; Draw x4.03
Fulham x2.12 Vs Everton x3.61; Draw x3.23
Burnley x3.16 Vs West Ham x2.23; Draw x3.42
Arsenal x1.23 Vs Sunderland x13.00; Draw x6.10
Newcastle x2.07 Vs Brentford x3.44; Draw x3.53
Brighton x1.95 Vs Crystal Palace x3.69; Draw x3.56
Liverpool x2.31 Vs Manchester City x2.80; Draw x3.67

I wonder if Michael Carrick will have his 4th win in a row with Man United. They are favourites against Tottenham, but the London club is a bit unpredictable and can cause United some problems.
Liverpool Vs Man City is probably the most interesting one. It's not quite a game at the top, as Liverpool dropped outside of the top 5, but still, they are one of the biggest clubs of the EPL.

You have done a very nice work by bringing the odds of this matches and the from here someone could have a clue of what they would bet over the weekend. But among all the matches that are only two features that so much interest me and they are;

1. Manchester United versus Tottenham: this is because everyone is expecting Michael Carrick to continue his unbeaten streak even as being new in through the Manchester United job. To me Michael Carrick has already done enough even if it does not win against Tottenham that does not mean that he will not continue to win. But if I were him, I would try to go five and between matches because the most difficult ones he has already won them.

2. The second most interesting feature for me is Manchester City versus Liverpool. This match is a very technical and decisive match. It is a match that you continue to give Manchester City hope for the English Premier League title or in the other way round give Liverpool hope for the top four. So, it is an important match for both teams.

[Issa56]

Many doubted them because they hadn't previously played a perfect match, stemming from their inconsistency in every match they played. That's why many still doubt Manchester United. Even though we've seen how Manchester United can beat top teams, there's no guarantee they can do it consistently.

Manchester United performance have been good lately they have been able to win matches that most of us don’t even believe they going to win. Since Manchester United signed a new coach, at least we can see improvement in Manchester United performance which is really a good one.

Manchester United next match is against Tottenham, as we can see Tottenham performance has not been good also this season, so let’s see how Manchester United will play against them since there is already improvement in Manchester United performance, let’s see maybe they going to destroy Tottenham in the match. Am going to be predicting Manchester United to win the match, but it’s not really going to be easy for them.

[StarenseN]

Carrick has had a good start, and perhaps he should be given more opportunities. Amorim's management wasn't bad either, but he often made the necessary moves too late in many games. Carrick, on the other hand, has faced tough matches so far and managed to win every single one. This actually shows how talented and promising he is. He's another manager who gives me hope after Xabi.

While I am sure he will be given until the end of the season AT LEAST, because I do not think United will be looking for a new manager when their current manager managed to beat first place and second place back to back, it's also a risk that they are taking.

If those games were flukes and they end up doing worse and rest of the season is bad and they finish like seventh or something then they will regret this. But how could you fire a manager who won these two games (technically three so far in a row)? You can't.

[Dzwaafu11]

~snip~

While I am sure he will be given until the end of the season AT LEAST, because I do not think United will be looking for a new manager when their current manager managed to beat first place and second place back to back, it's also a risk that they are taking.

If those games were flukes and they end up doing worse and rest of the season is bad and they finish like seventh or something then they will regret this. But how could you fire a manager who won these two games (technically three so far in a row)? You can't.

Sure. Manchester United won’t even think of changing their manager at this moment, the new manager is currently doing great in the team. However, there is no any reason for firing him, because I don’t see any point of doing that. He has done what their previous manager could not do in a short period of time, winning the top 2 and 1 of the table is a big achievement for them.

However I’m still expecting Carrick to do more in the coming matches, let’s see how he will end the season, we shouldn’t say much at this stage of the competition.

[Nheer]

Carrick has had a good start, and perhaps he should be given more opportunities. Amorim's management wasn't bad either, but he often made the necessary moves too late in many games. Carrick, on the other hand, has faced tough matches so far and managed to win every single one. This actually shows how talented and promising he is. He's another manager who gives me hope after Xabi.

While I am sure he will be given until the end of the season AT LEAST, because I do not think United will be looking for a new manager when their current manager managed to beat first place and second place back to back, it's also a risk that they are taking.

If those games were flukes and they end up doing worse and rest of the season is bad and they finish like seventh or something then they will regret this. But how could you fire a manager who won these two games (technically three so far in a row)? You can't.

Since almost every coach that is employed ends up being sacked i think they should give Carrick a chance because of how he has managed the team. His performance so far is good so I don't see a reason why they should be looking for a new manager. If they are not fully convinced and think he is inexperienced at least they should give him an opportunity to prove himself and see how far he can take the team. Even if it is fluke they shouldn't sack him yet and let the fluke keep taking the team until he runs out of luck. I won't conclude anything now but sometimes the hardest games in the Premier League are the easiest fixtures against small teams, let's just see how he performs as the league progresses.

[Zaguru12]

Since almost every coach that is employed ends up being sacked i think they should give Carrick a chance because of how he has managed the team. His performance so far is good so I don't see a reason why they should be looking for a new manager. If they are not fully convinced and think he is inexperienced at least they should give him an opportunity to prove himself and see how far he can take the team. Even if it is fluke they shouldn't sack him yet and let the fluke keep taking the team until he runs out of luck. I won't conclude anything now but sometimes the hardest games in the Premier League are the easiest fixtures against small teams, let's just see how he performs as the league progresses.

This will not be any problem because I expect them to seriously give Carrick the chance but that is subjected to how high Carrick puts Manchester United on top of the table. See there is one thing football fans need to understand with Manchester United, their board are actually more focused on revenue generation than on football development if Carrick can get them back to the champions league places believe me he will be give some fat contract, it is nothing about experience it is simply them looking for manager that won’t intervene in their decision making and this was the reason why by most managers actually left the club.

As for Carrick Performance so far it has been actually great but that doesn’t guarantee anything, I agree with and have continue to say this that most games that are difficult for Manchester United are usually those against side which are poor and it is actually not against top quality teams and with Tottenham Hotspur actually finding it difficult to actually gather points they might be a tougher opponent to Manchester United than the league leaders

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

Many doubted them because they hadn't previously played a perfect match, stemming from their inconsistency in every match they played. That's why many still doubt Manchester United. Even though we've seen how Manchester United can beat top teams, there's no guarantee they can do it consistently.
However, Tottenham's performance is also declining, even worse than Manchester United's this season. They should still be able to win, judging by their previous matches. For now, Tottenham are not difficult to beat.

Manchester United's difficulties actually come when they face much weaker opponents because they consistently fail to capitalize on their potential to win against such teams. This was the case before Carrick became Manchester United's manager, but it's a little different now as Manchester United have impressed in their previous three matches under Carrick. Tottenham's performance has indeed declined significantly compared to Manchester United's, but Carrick must be wary because Tottenham could spring a surprise that could cost Manchester United points in that match.

[DBTC-brain]

While I agree that Carrick definitely looks like he is doing great, specially compared to Amorim, I think he created a big trouble for himself. Normally this team isn't this good, and they won the first three games, so Carrick is seen as a great manager who will do wonderfully.

However, there is a reason why all the past managers did badly with this team, and one day Carrick will realize that, and team will start to do not so great. When that day comes and when they do that badly, we are going to see how they end up hating Carrick as well. In reality, this three games were probably flukes, sure he can do better than Amorim but that is not really an achievement, if he starts to lose, I hope people won't be too harsh on him.

Well, from their match against Fulham , you would already know that the signs of flopping have already started showing. Recall that Man U was leading Fulham with two goals before Fulham equalised and made it 2-2.

They probably could have drawn or lost that match if luck weren't on their side. For them to concede two goals after leading by 2-0 before second shows that the team still lacks that defensive acumen. They really struggled to win against Fulham just like the way Man City did against Fulham.

If Carrick really needs to be consistent , he should do something about the team's defense.

[alankasman]

Manchester United's difficulties actually come when they face much weaker opponents because they consistently fail to capitalize on their potential to win against such teams. This was the case before Carrick became Manchester United's manager, but it's a little different now as Manchester United have impressed in their previous three matches under Carrick. Tottenham's performance has indeed declined significantly compared to Manchester United's, but Carrick must be wary because Tottenham could spring a surprise that could cost Manchester United points in that match.

This often happens to Manchester United. While they can match up against bigger teams, we often say their consistency in play is often unstable. This step remains in Michael Carrick's hands to see whether this can happen again. I believe Manchester United's development is much better now than it was with the previous manager. This is what Manchester United fans are waiting for whether this happens again under Michael Carrick.

It seems that for two seasons the development shown by Tottenham has not been very developed and what is happening now in the team nicknamed The Lilywhites because this team often produces top players but in these two seasons it seems like a team that does not have its goals for the future so that many observers say that this year they are not too significant in terms of improvement so that from their standings they are in 14th place which means it really seems like something is missing in the Lilywhites team and of course when they face Man United they have prepared a special strategy to make it difficult for Man United players to get results at Old Trafford stadium.

[khiholangkang]

Many doubted them because they hadn't previously played a perfect match, stemming from their inconsistency in every match they played. That's why many still doubt Manchester United. Even though we've seen how Manchester United can beat top teams, there's no guarantee they can do it consistently.
However, Tottenham's performance is also declining, even worse than Manchester United's this season. They should still be able to win, judging by their previous matches. For now, Tottenham are not difficult to beat.

Manchester United's difficulties actually come when they face much weaker opponents because they consistently fail to capitalize on their potential to win against such teams. This was the case before Carrick became Manchester United's manager, but it's a little different now as Manchester United have impressed in their previous three matches under Carrick. Tottenham's performance has indeed declined significantly compared to Manchester United's, but Carrick must be wary because Tottenham could spring a surprise that could cost Manchester United points in that match.

I also see that at Manchester United it has become a problem that we all know about before, Carrick's arrival brings new hope for Manchester United even though only a few matches have been played and everything was perfect including beating Arsenal and Manchester City and finally Fulham, the two matches before that against Brighton they lost 2-1 and before that they were held to a draw by Burnley with a score of 2-2 which makes us still doubtful about Manchester United's future, tonight we will watch Manchester United's match against Tottenham which if you look at the last 3 matches Manchester United should have won. match, but it is still not certain because Tottenham is returning to focus on the Premier League, playing at home would be very embarrassing for Carrick if they lost.

[HajiBagi]

~snip~

While I am sure he will be given until the end of the season AT LEAST, because I do not think United will be looking for a new manager when their current manager managed to beat first place and second place back to back, it's also a risk that they are taking.

If those games were flukes and they end up doing worse and rest of the season is bad and they finish like seventh or something then they will regret this. But how could you fire a manager who won these two games (technically three so far in a row)? You can't.

Sure. Manchester United won’t even think of changing their manager at this moment, the new manager is currently doing great in the team. However, there is no any reason for firing him, because I don’t see any point of doing that. He has done what their previous manager could not do in a short period of time, winning the top 2 and 1 of the table is a big achievement for them.

However I’m still expecting Carrick to do more in the coming matches, let’s see how he will end the season, we shouldn’t say much at this stage of the competition.

If Manchester United win five games in a row then i will believe that Manchester United is back, Carrick has been doing a great job since he started coaching the team this season, he has never lose any game even when he face big teams like Manchester City and Arsenal, Manchester United nearly lost to Fulham, but at the end they won the match, Tottenham has been one of the teams that Manchester United find difficult to beat, it has been a long time since Manchester United beat Tottenham and they today.

Beating Tottenham will be a very good advantage for Carrick, Carrick deserve to be a Manchester United permanent, he has proven that he can be the best coach for the team, i think the club want to see if he can succeed at the end of the season because sometimes things can change, if Carrick defeat Tottenham today that means he is capable of beating every team in the league.