⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[Derekfunds]

This week's games regarding the title competition:

- Leeds - Manchester City

- Arsenal - Chelsea

I don't think Manchester City will lose points in this one. Even though I remember how tough their last game against Leeds at Etihad was...

Arsenal have improved their morale a lot by destroying Tottenham. Chelsea don't look good enough recently but they are still a serious danger in big games. I still believe in Arsenal to beat them home. 

I disagree if Michael Carrick starts Benjamin Sesko that it will not yield Manchester United good results because if Benjamin Sesko could play in second half and be scoring goals for Manchester United don't you think that Benjamin Sesko can score a brace or hat trick for Manchester if Michael Carrick start him? Benjamin Sesko cost Manchester United plenty of money, and since he is a striker, Michael Carrick should be starting him so that he will adapt to the premier league and help his team win matches with plenty of goals.

I disagree with you. Sesko was given lots of chances in the starting lineup earlier but he didn't show a consistent performance with scoring goals. Carrick is doing the right thing by using him in the second half only instead.

These are very tough games coming up, it might seem like leeds might not be able to win Manchester City but lets not forget that they have home advantage and they can use that as leverage over city. Arsenal on the other hand cannot lose to Chelsea being on the home side and they also have a lot to lose because they are few steps away from winning the title, Chelsea are not in a good form.

Though I won't like to undermine Leads united but I don't see them standing before Manchester city this coming weekend because Manchester city knows what is at stake already and they can not afford to meet up Arsenal again if the chance slide but I'm not saying for sure that Manchester city will win but I just think they will win regardless. And as for Arsenal, it is a very tough one because this should be the third or fourth time Arsenal is meeting Chelsea and they have been winning Chelsea so it is hard to say this time.

[ITExpert]

Watching this Everton - Manchester United already is hinting to be a low scoring game.. from the temple that has been set I think we shall be lucky to see more than 2 goals this evening, but a United win is highly favoured especially that they are chasing European football ⚽ which they have been missing participation for the longest time and Chelsea is a position above that they will leapfrog with a win today.

Manchester United is going in the deserving way after a long time in fact after a worst situation they have been facing from a long time. But the new coach is successful to bring them in the position they should be on that. And they played well against the team Everton. Because Everton really shows their strong defense abilities which makes them a tough opponent to Manchester United. And in this win Benjamin sesko played his great role to make the team embarrassed this success. And I think this has to accept that the credit of being the best and being the worst is directly goes to the coach of the team. And Manchester United is really very lucky in this regard that they got a talented coach after so long who really knows how to handle the team.

[Iroh]

Carrick's achievements with Manchester United are truly remarkable, as he has been able to revive the club from its slump. Carrick deserves the permanent position as Manchester United's manager, as he's been able to bring out the best in his players. One clear example of this is Sesko, who is now consistently scoring goals despite often coming off the bench.

There's no denying on how the performance of the club has noticeably increased since Michael Carrick took over as interim coach. He has managed so far, to successfully lead Man united up some few steps on the league table. Quite an unexpected feat looking back at the sub-par performance and gameplay they had going for them. Now under Carrick's management, the team has seen an uptick in their performance as he's had a good run so far.
I think if he can finish the season strong. Perhaps finishing in the 3rd place, he would be likely considered to be formally made manager of the club. He has till the end of the season to prove he's the right man for the job. And if he actually delivers, I bet supporters would be clamoring for him to be formally appointed the manager of the club.

[Minor Miner]

Though I won't like to undermine Leads united but I don't see them standing before Manchester city this coming weekend because Manchester city knows what is at stake already and they can not afford to meet up Arsenal again if the chance slide but I'm not saying for sure that Manchester city will win but I just think they will win regardless. And as for Arsenal, it is a very tough one because this should be the third or fourth time Arsenal is meeting Chelsea and they have been winning Chelsea so it is hard to say this time.

Every match is very important for manchester city now. This is the first time they have the chance to win the title. They are only a few  points behind Arsenal. If Arsenal drop points in another match, and city can continue their winning streak, then the top spot in the table will be occupied by city. In such a situation , Guardiola will definitely give his full effort  in every match to win.

Leeds united are not a strong opponent. They are in 15th place in the points table. It is unlikely that Manchester City will do badly  against such a team. I believe that we will see city win in leeds' home match.

[Hypnotizer]

Every match is very important for manchester city now. This is the first time they have the chance to win the title. They are only a few  points behind Arsenal.

This is the first time for Manchester City to have a chance of winning the title? Or are you referring to Arsenal?

This time is for sure a really important time of the season for both of them, they need their best performance…I hope Arsenal to at least win the premier league this season.

If Arsenal drop points in another match, and city can continue their winning streak, then the top spot in the table will be occupied by city. In such a situation , Guardiola will definitely give his full effort  in every match to win.

Arsenal will face Chelsea in their next game while Manchester City will face Leeds United, Chelsea are a very strong opponent for Arsenal but I saw the bookies saying the odd of Arsenal winning Chelsea is same as that of Manchester City winning Leeds.

Leeds united are not a strong opponent. They are in 15th place in the points table. It is unlikely that Manchester City will do badly  against such a team. I believe that we will see city win in leeds' home match.

Leeds United have pull very surprising result in some of their games this season especially against Chelsea, so we can really underestimate them and the last meeting between Manchester City and Leeds in November last year, Leeds pull a wonderful comeback despite being two giants down in the first half…they equalize in the second half but they still lost because of the late winning goal from Foden..

But Nevertheless City are the very favorites to win that game.

[Taricoins]

Leeds shouldn't be underestimated having held several top teams to draws, despite losing the first leg at Manchester City. But now the match is at Leeds' home, and I'm confident they can be a troublesome team for Manchester City. If Pep Guardiola can't make significant changes, it's possible Manchester City will ultimately suffer a loss or draw. Arsenal also need to be wary of the possibility that failing to get a point in this match will make it difficult for them to compete for the title as Manchester City continues to be close behind.

I support the comment that Leeds United should not be underrated. They might not have been having a good ride in the EPL, but they can still be a spoiler. Leeds held Chelsea to a draw and Manchester City cannot afford to lose any points. Pep Guardiola is tactically but he has not been consistent this season.

Arsenal will face a tougher task. Chelsea is gunning for the UCL spot, so the Gunners should be ready to fight for this point. Mikel Arteta knows what is at stake, so he has to motivate his boys to get these three points.

I am all for the idea that Leeds cannot and should not underestimated but it comes to a period of time when things fall into perspective and it seems like there is a way to achieve a goal, the determination gets doubled and that's what I think is going to happen to Pep's team, and another fact that proves that City is going to trash Leeds is that Pep has gotten a very long time to rest and to improvise a tactical plan against Leeds, so I feel the win is going for City.

[Nightwatchmare]

This week's games regarding the title competition:

- Leeds - Manchester City

- Arsenal - Chelsea

I don't think Manchester City will lose points in this one. Even though I remember how tough their last game against Leeds at Etihad was...

Arsenal have improved their morale a lot by destroying Tottenham. Chelsea don't look good enough recently but they are still a serious danger in big games. I still believe in Arsenal to beat them home.  

Manchester City first game against Leeds this season at Etihad stadium was tough because Leeds was playing well in the premier league when they played against Manchester City at Etihad stadium but since Leeds is not strong the way they were when they first played against Manchester City at Etihad stadium, i agree Manchester City will not drop points against Leeds. Chelsea is a team that does not need to be in form before they can impress in big games but as Chelsea is doing well under their new coach, i think Chelsea can drop Arsenal backward in winning the league.

[Abbatty]

This week's games regarding the title competition:

- Leeds - Manchester City

- Arsenal - Chelsea

I don't think Manchester City will lose points in this one. Even though I remember how tough their last game against Leeds at Etihad was...

Arsenal have improved their morale a lot by destroying Tottenham. Chelsea don't look good enough recently but they are still a serious danger in big games. I still believe in Arsenal to beat them home.  

Manchester City first game against Leeds this season at Etihad stadium was tough because Leeds was playing well in the premier league when they played against Manchester City at Etihad stadium but since Leeds is not strong the way they were when they first played against Manchester City at Etihad stadium, i agree Manchester City will not drop points against Leeds. Chelsea is a team that does not need to be in form before they can impress in big games but as Chelsea is doing well under their new coach, i think Chelsea can drop Arsenal backward in winning the league.

One thing leeds have been good at this season is being a difficult side for the big boys, we saw how most all big teams have struggled with them. For me it going to be a difficult game for Manchester city but I think in the end they would win the game. At this point of the season every game is vital and difficult so Manchester city will have to approach this game with utmost seriousness.

It another London derby for the gunners, it a second derby in a row for them, this time around it will be played at the emirate. Chelsea on the other hand still haven’t lost a game in the league under the new manager, but they have lost twice to them in the league cup.

Well London derby are always very difficult to predict but in this game I think arsenal will have a upper hand and I won’t be surprised if I see them win the game.

[Spaceman1000$]

Benjamin Sesko won it for Manchester United against stubborn Everton. Benjamin Sesko has scored 5 goals this year from the bench. Michael Carrick should start giving Benjamin Sesko more minutes for him to score more goals for Manchester United and help Manchester United qualify for the champions league. Mbeumo did great in assisting Benjamin Sesko but Benjamin Sesko goal against Everton was more beautiful than Mbeumo's assist, because Benjamin Sesko was in a difficult position but he still scored from the position.

Sometimes the style of play a manager is using determines when a player is supposed to be started in a game, if the pattern he uses favors him more for Benjamin Sesko to always start from the bench, let it be like that and not try to force some other methods that won’t yield them good results. Everton may be a stubborn team, but Sesko have shown them to be a ruthless type they won’t want to get at in the field. I like Manchester United consistency so far, I just hope they can keep up with that performance and get to finish in the top four of the table which will give them a chance to represent in the champions league, one which they’ve not got to play in for a very long time now.

I disagree if Michael Carrick starts Benjamin Sesko that it will not yield Manchester United good results because if Benjamin Sesko could play in second half and be scoring goals for Manchester United don't you think that Benjamin Sesko can score a brace or hat trick for Manchester if Michael Carrick start him? Benjamin Sesko cost Manchester United plenty of money, and since he is a striker, Michael Carrick should be starting him so that he will adapt to the premier league and help his team win matches with plenty of goals.

Your point is actually correct, but I feel Michael Carrick has found a new decoy for Manchester United, bringing Benjamin Sesko from the bench gives a fresh aura to the Frontline attack, this is because hence he is not on the front line in first half, most Clubs forget the fact that this guy is dangerous to a certain extent. Before now Benjamin Sesko has been starting previous games especially during the time of Amorim, but his impact has not been felt that much, but if Michael has found a new pattern for him and this same pattern is favoring the team then I don't think there is any problem.

[Wakate]

This week's games regarding the title competition:

- Leeds - Manchester City

- Arsenal - Chelsea

I don't think Manchester City will lose points in this one. Even though I remember how tough their last game against Leeds at Etihad was...

Arsenal have improved their morale a lot by destroying Tottenham. Chelsea don't look good enough recently but they are still a serious danger in big games. I still believe in Arsenal to beat them home.  

Manchester City first game against Leeds this season at Etihad stadium was tough because Leeds was playing well in the premier league when they played against Manchester City at Etihad stadium but since Leeds is not strong the way they were when they first played against Manchester City at Etihad stadium, i agree Manchester City will not drop points against Leeds. Chelsea is a team that does not need to be in form before they can impress in big games but as Chelsea is doing well under their new coach, i think Chelsea can drop Arsenal backward in winning the league.

I don't want to see anything that will make Arsenal to win the league since they had been struggling for years to make sure that at least they come close to winning multiple times and I don't want this opportunity to be taken away from them.
Chelsea should allow Arsenal to beat them even if its going to end in 2-3 not because Chelsea can not play to their best but because Arsenal needs to win the premier league.

[Solodoski]

Though I won't like to undermine Leads united but I don't see them standing before Manchester city this coming weekend because Manchester city knows what is at stake already and they can not afford to meet up Arsenal again if the chance slide but I'm not saying for sure that Manchester city will win but I just think they will win regardless. And as for Arsenal, it is a very tough one because this should be the third or fourth time Arsenal is meeting Chelsea and they have been winning Chelsea so it is hard to say this time.

You better not underestimate Leeds United. Leeds drew to Manchester United, drew Chelsea, drew most of the EPL teams. This same Leeds defeated Crystal Palace, and Chelsea. Manchester City won Leeds at home, but I am telling how difficult it is to play Leeds at Elland Road. This match will be a deciding match, to test Manchester City if they are ready to fight for the league title. City will draw on Saturday while Arsenal will win Chelsea on Sunday. No cookurella, no estafowl, and no fofana.

[pawel7777]

(...)
You better not underestimate Leeds United. Leeds drew to Manchester United, drew Chelsea, drew most of the EPL teams. This same Leeds defeated Crystal Palace, and Chelsea. Manchester City won Leeds at home, but I am telling how difficult it is to play Leeds at Elland Road. This match will be a deciding match, to test Manchester City if they are ready to fight for the league title. City will draw on Saturday while Arsenal will win Chelsea on Sunday. No cookurella, no estafowl, and no fofana.

Leeds had a good run earlier in the season where they were staying near the top, but started losing points more often and dropped deeper into the bottom half of the table.
But it's true that they are not easy to play against. They don't win very often, but they really like draws. They are currently in the top 3 of teams with the highest number of draws.
What's more, both Man City and Leeds are teams that perform notably better at home, so home advantage will be big for Leeds (assuming this statistic is a good predictor of anything).
For Man City, the average points per home game is +0.88 points higher than for away games. For Leeds, the same metric is +1.05, which is almost the highest in the league, minimally lower than Sunderland's (+1.09). This is worth considering before placing any bets.

[Cossyblack]

I disagree if Michael Carrick starts Benjamin Sesko that it will not yield Manchester United good results because if Benjamin Sesko could play in second half and be scoring goals for Manchester United don't you think that Benjamin Sesko can score a brace or hat trick for Manchester if Michael Carrick start him? Benjamin Sesko cost Manchester United plenty of money, and since he is a striker, Michael Carrick should be starting him so that he will adapt to the premier league and help his team win matches with plenty of goals.

Michael Carrick know why he hasn't started playing Benjamin sesko in first half but honestly Michael Carrick has to go serious with Benjamin sesko. This is because Benjamin sesko has scored many goals mostly in tough situation for united. Michael carrick shouldn't only concentrate him in the second half but he should be allow to play in first half to see if could perform well. If Michael carrick sees he can perform well he should be given extra playing time so that he can full form and even score many goals which would assist united qualify for the champions league.

[Abdulzuruku01]

Arsenal will face a tougher task. Chelsea is gunning for the UCL spot, so the Gunners should be ready to fight for this point. Mikel Arteta knows what is at stake, so he has to motivate his boys to get these three points.

I can't really call it a tough match for arsenal due to how poor Chelsea have performed against Arsenal this season, because Chelsea have faced arsenal three times this season and arsenal were able to win two matches they have played. If you look at those matches they played Arsenal dominated all the three matches in times of possession. I know it's big match but Arsenal has the higher chance of winning than Chelsea in my opinion.

[Marykeller]

Though I won't like to undermine Leads united but I don't see them standing before Manchester city this coming weekend because Manchester city knows what is at stake already and they can not afford to meet up Arsenal again if the chance slide but I'm not saying for sure that Manchester city will win but I just think they will win regardless. And as for Arsenal, it is a very tough one because this should be the third or fourth time Arsenal is meeting Chelsea and they have been winning Chelsea so it is hard to say this time.

Every match is very important for manchester city now. This is the first time they have the chance to win the title. They are only a few  points behind Arsenal. If Arsenal drop points in another match, and city can continue their winning streak, then the top spot in the table will be occupied by city. In such a situation , Guardiola will definitely give his full effort  in every match to win.

Leeds united are not a strong opponent. They are in 15th place in the points table. It is unlikely that Manchester City will do badly  against such a team. I believe that we will see city win in leeds' home match.

It was the last two seasons that this same Manchester City denied Arsenal the Premier League trophy of 2023/2024, and it wouldn't look nice on Arsenal if Manchester City uses the exact method of, after points gap, they get to top Arsenal and deny the Premier League trophy after hopes were built on them to that long time ago with their form

[Egii Nna]

Though I won't like to undermine Leads united but I don't see them standing before Manchester city this coming weekend because Manchester city knows what is at stake already and they can not afford to meet up Arsenal again if the chance slide but I'm not saying for sure that Manchester city will win but I just think they will win regardless. And as for Arsenal, it is a very tough one because this should be the third or fourth time Arsenal is meeting Chelsea and they have been winning Chelsea so it is hard to say this time.

Leeds United are also good, because the first time they met Manchester City this season was in November last year. Even though Manchester City won the game, it was not by a high margin. If I am not mistaken, the game ended 3–2, although it was a home game for Manchester City. This is now a home game for Leeds United, and Leeds take their home games seriously. I won’t say Manchester City can’t win, but even if they do, it will be a very big battle.

Talking about Arsenal and Chelsea, Arsenal will still win if they really want to, because Chelsea’s performance is still poor. Arsenal also need a bigger points difference between them and Manchester City, because 4 points difference is not that much.

[yixichloro2xx]

Arsenal will face a tougher task. Chelsea is gunning for the UCL spot, so the Gunners should be ready to fight for this point. Mikel Arteta knows what is at stake, so he has to motivate his boys to get these three points.

I can't really call it a tough match for arsenal due to how poor Chelsea have performed against Arsenal this season, because Chelsea have faced arsenal three times this season and arsenal were able to win two matches they have played. If you look at those matches they played Arsenal dominated all the three matches in times of possession. I know it's big match but Arsenal has the higher chance of winning than Chelsea in my opinion.

Arsenal often beat Chelsea alot especially they are playing at the Emirates based on their past head to head.  But I feel it's going to be a tough match unlike that of Tottenham game where Arsenal get past them by scoring 4 goals. We know that Chelsea are a very stubborn team, they are kind of team someone should avoid to play against especially during crucial moments in the title race.  Moreover we shouldn't forget that Chelsea are also fighting for place in the top 4 to qualify for the champions League so they won't go down easily in this game. They have nothing to lose apart from the champions League spot unlike Arsenal. So it's going to be tough game.

[Futurexxx]

Arsenal often beat Chelsea alot especially they are playing at the Emirates based on their past head to head.  But I feel it's going to be a tough match unlike that of Tottenham game where Arsenal get past them by scoring 4 goals. We know that Chelsea are a very stubborn team, they are kind of team someone should avoid to play against especially during crucial moments in the title race.  Moreover we shouldn't forget that Chelsea are also fighting for place in the top 4 to qualify for the champions League so they won't go down easily in this game. They have nothing to lose apart from the champions League spot unlike Arsenal. So it's going to be tough game.

I agree with you bro, arsenal are the clear favourite in this game and anything short of winning will be disastrous for arsenal considering their title aspirations and Manchester City breathing down their neck, but just as you have already said, it's not going to be easy because Chelsea is one unpredictable team that always stand up and do very well mostly when all odds is against them, so we shouldn't conclude on arsenal winning this game yet, because it's not going to be an easy game for both teams.

Additionally, this season arsenal and Chelsea have played three times already, one in the Epl and twice in the carabao cup semi finals where arsenal won twice and drew 1-1 at Stamford bridge in their first Epl encounter, so Chelsea will want to do everything in their power to defeat them and change that narrative most fans have towards them, which i believe is going to maythe game more interesting.

[Pablo-wood]

Arsenal will face a tougher task. Chelsea is gunning for the UCL spot, so the Gunners should be ready to fight for this point. Mikel Arteta knows what is at stake, so he has to motivate his boys to get these three points.

I can't really call it a tough match for arsenal due to how poor Chelsea have performed against Arsenal this season, because Chelsea have faced arsenal three times this season and arsenal were able to win two matches they have played. If you look at those matches they played Arsenal dominated all the three matches in times of possession. I know it's big match but Arsenal has the higher chance of winning than Chelsea in my opinion.

This is obviously the last time Arsenal will face Chelsea this season. It might be in favour of Arsenal has usual. Just as Arsenal knows what's at stake if they lose or draw same way Chelsea understands they will slag further behind Manu if they fail to secure a point in this game. Arteta has a serious job to do before this game. Chelsea might be underperforming but I am expecting a very strong contention against Arsenal who are eager to retain their spot knowing how desperate City are waiting to replace them on that spot

[Nightwatchmare]

This week's games regarding the title competition:

- Leeds - Manchester City

- Arsenal - Chelsea

I don't think Manchester City will lose points in this one. Even though I remember how tough their last game against Leeds at Etihad was...

Arsenal have improved their morale a lot by destroying Tottenham. Chelsea don't look good enough recently but they are still a serious danger in big games. I still believe in Arsenal to beat them home.  

Manchester City first game against Leeds this season at Etihad stadium was tough because Leeds was playing well in the premier league when they played against Manchester City at Etihad stadium but since Leeds is not strong the way they were when they first played against Manchester City at Etihad stadium, i agree Manchester City will not drop points against Leeds. Chelsea is a team that does not need to be in form before they can impress in big games but as Chelsea is doing well under their new coach, i think Chelsea can drop Arsenal backward in winning the league.

I don't want to see anything that will make Arsenal to win the league since they had been struggling for years to make sure that at least they come close to winning multiple times and I don't want this opportunity to be taken away from them.
Chelsea should allow Arsenal to beat them even if its going to end in 2-3 not because Chelsea can not play to their best but because Arsenal needs to win the premier league.

Plenty of people in the world today, do not want to see anything that will make Arsenal not to win the premier league this season because they want Arsenal to win the league title after failing to win it for years. Since Arsenal is leading the league standings with 5 points, they have what it takes to win the league but if they fail to win it this season, i will not be angry because they will be the reason for failing to win it. Chelsea will never allow Arsenal to beat them because they are aiming to make it to the top four in order to play in next season's champions league. Arsenal should be well prepared if they want to win Chelsea because Chelsea is a tough opponent for them.