Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 15

THE Premier League The title race is heating up and crises are brewing at clubs further down the table as Gameweek 15 gets underway this weekend.

Liverpool's nine-point lead at the top of the table was reduced to seven after rivals Chelsea and Arsenal claimed victories to capitalize on a thrilling draw at St James' Park, while Manchester City ended their dismal run with a well-deserved victory.

Bottom three Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town have all been beaten in their last matches and have lost ground in the battle to avoid relegation. For some teams, Gameweek 15 could be decisive for the 2024/25 season.

This is how 90 minutes sees the list of upcoming matches taking place this weekend.

Saturday December 7

LiverpoolNewcastle United's draw means their trip to Everton in the Merseyside derby takes on even greater importance. The Reds failed to hold on to a 3-2 lead and have some key absences in defence, something the Toffees, themselves buoyed by a 4-0 defeat to Wolves, will look to exploit in their final encounter at Goodison Park.

Villa Aston ended a horrific eight-game winless spell by getting past Brentford last time out and the comfort of home could prove decisive again when Southampton visit. The saints were truly abject in a 5-1 against Chelsea and they will have little hope of a better result if they prove equally self-destructive at Villa Park.

No team has collected more points at home this season than Brentfordwhose poor away record means they only occupy 11th place in the table. Their resolve will certainly be tested by Newcastlewho were defiant against Liverpool despite an indifferent start to the campaign.

Crystal Palace are 17th but have a three-point buffer over Ipswich after winning at Portman Road in midweek. Scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta will give Manchester City's depleted core was a stern test, but the reigning champions looked more convincing against Nottingham Forest and will be hoping Kevin De Bruyne's trickery and artistry can propel them to three more points.

Saturday's televised match sees the cameras return to Old Trafford where Manchester United will seek to bounce back against Nottingham Forest after suffering a first defeat under new coach Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils were undone by Arsenal's set-piece expertise but I hope to have more joy against a Forest team who have lost three of their last four matches.

Sunday December 8

Arsenal remain keen protagonists in the title race after beating United and their next task is a trip to Craven Cottage where Fulham are waiting for them. The Cottagers can take inspiration from two-goal hero and former Gunner Alex Iwobi after his performance against Brighton & Hove Albion, but Mikel Arteta's side have the bit between their teeth at the moment and are favorites.

Two consecutive defeats saw Ipswich slipping into the relegation zone, making their first clash with Bournemouth in more than nine years, an extremely important event. The Cherries would have beaten Tottenham Hotspur with a clinical finish, but they still emerged victorious and could claim a third victory in a row.

Leicester City were much improved in Ruud van Nistelrooy's first outing as manager as they brushed aside West Ham United and the Dutchman will fancy his chances at the King Power Stadium against a Brighton team licking their wounds after defeat at Fulham.

Sunday's matches end with a huge London derby between Tottenham And Chelseatwo sides with distinctly different atmospheres. The spurs were lifeless in Bournemouth and were dug out time and time again. Such negligence against the Blues, who scored five at Southampton last time out, will be punished by their local rivals, potentially increasing the gap between the two to 11 points.

Monday December 9

Monday evening brings Gameweek 15 to a close and there will be tension in the air at the London Stadium when Western Ham entertain Wolves. Julen Lopetegui and Gary O'Neil are fighting for their jobs and the outcome of this match could have immediate consequences for the loser. The Hammers have home advantage and could go for a tight affair, but neither team looks particularly convincing at this stage of the campaign.

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