'The Game Plan' - Matchday 18 Preview

Boxing Day Weekend Fixtures

K.O - 20.00 - Manchester United v Newcastle United

Manchester United host Newcastle United at Old Trafford for the Premier League’s only Boxing Day fixture. United, with the most Boxing Day wins in Premier League history (22), will aim to bounce back after a tough run, having not won at home in their last three league games. Last season, they were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle in this fixture, which adds extra pressure on them for a positive result. Both teams have struggled defensively this season, with each conceding in their last 10 Premier League matches. United’s home form has been a concern, while Newcastle has also had issues with clean sheets. This could be a game with chances at both ends. Bruno Fernandes' absence will be a significant blow for Manchester United. The captain and key midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during United's recent loss to Aston Villa and will be side lined for several weeks. Since joining the club, Fernandes has been a constant presence, making 212 Premier League appearances from a possible 221, starting 208 of those matches. His leadership and creativity in midfield are vital to United’s style of play. Even more concerning for fans, United have lost five of the last six Premier League games when Fernandes hasn’t played, highlighting just how crucial he is to the team’s success. Despite their own defensive issues, Newcastle’s solid team shape could give them a chance to capitalize on any mistakes from United especially with their summer signing Woltemade back scoring at the right end after scoring an own goal against Sunderland followed by a brace against Chelsea last week.

News conference highlights: Manchester United manger Ruben Amorim stressed that Bruno Fernandes' absence represents: "A good opportunity for everyone to step up", highlighting some senior players "guys like Licha [Lisandro Martinez], Luke Shaw, all these guys...We need to step up to have more leaders in the group"

News conference highlights: Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed that his team will train on Christmas Day before going home to enjoy festivities: "You can't stand over their shoulder when they're at home. You trust that they'll make good decisions."

Predicted team line ups: Manchester United - Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Martinez, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko

Predicted team line ups: Newcastle United - Pope; Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon

Predicted score 2 - 2

K.O - 12.30 - Nottingham Forest v Manchester City

Nottingham Forest face a daunting task as they host Manchester City at the City Ground. For Forest manager Sean Dyche, it's a particularly tough challenge, as he has yet to win a Premier League match against Pep Guardiola, with 2 draws and 16 losses to his name. Forest, sitting just 5 points above the relegation zone, have had a difficult season so far with a change in managers with an inconsistent run of results. December has been particularly mixed, with a 1-0 win followed by a 3-0 loss in their last four games. In contrast, Manchester City are in superb form. Sitting second in the league, Guardiola's side are on a five game winning streak scoring 17 goals in that run. The 2023/24 champions will be looking to continue their pursuit of Arsenal at the top of the table, and a win would see them leapfrog their rivals for the second weekend running, provided Arsenal don’t pick up a better result later in the day. Forest will need to channel the memory of their stunning 1-0 win over City in March of last season, when Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal was enough to secure all three points. However, this time around, Dyche’s side will need a near perfect defensive performance to deal with City’s formidable attack. The key battle will be at the back, where Forest’s central defender Murillo and co will have their hands full trying to keep City’s attacking trio of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Amine Cherki at bay. Haaland alone has been in sensational form this season, having already scored 19 goals in just 17 Premier League matches, two more than Forest have managed as a team. Stopping him will be crucial for Forest if they are to have any chance of taking points from this match.

News conference highlights: Nottingham Forest manger Sean Dyche was realistic of the prospects of his team controlling the game, "It's unlikely we are going to dominate the ball, so we have to be defensively sound and do all the hard yards."

News conference highlights: Known for his strict training and dietary regimes Manchester City manger Pep Guardiola informed us that his players will be weighted before the game against Forest, "The moment they arrive after three days [off] I want to see how they come back. They can eat but I want to control them... Imagine one player and now he's perfect but he will arrive with three kilos more. He will be in Manchester, he will not travel to Nottingham Forest"

Predicted team line ups: Nottingham Forest - John Victor; Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Savona; Douglas Luiz, Anderson; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Hutchinson; Igor Jesus

Predicted team line ups: Manchester City - Donnarumma; O’Reilly, Gvardiol, Dias, Nunes; Reijnders, Nico, Silva; Foden, Cherki; Haaland

Predicted score - 0 - 4

K.O - 15.00 - Arsenal v Brighton and Hove Albion

Arsenal will host Brighton & Hove Albion at The Emirates Stadium in a Premier League encounter with both teams coming into the match in contrasting form. Mikel Arteta’s side are enjoying a strong run of form, winning their last five home games and losing just once in their last 23 matches across all competitions. Despite this impressive record, recently their defence has shown some late game vulnerability, conceding four of their ten goals this season in the final 10 minutes. This could provide Brighton with an opportunity to apply pressure late in the game, especially if the match is tight. Arsenal have not had much success at home to Brighton in the Premier League, winning just three of the eight fixtures between the two sides (38%), with two draws and three losses. The Seagulls also come into this match with a concerning December record, as they have never won a Premier League game in this month under Fabian Hurzeler, having drawn six and lost four. They have also failed to score in their last two league outings. Brighton will, however, be bolstered by the return of captain Lewis Dunk, who has been suspended for recent matches. Dunk’s leadership and defensive capabilities will be key for Brighton as they try to contain Arsenal’s offensive threat. Additionally, former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck could return to face his old club, adding extra motivation for the Seagulls in attack after missing last game with a back injury. Arsenal have won all 19 games in which they have scored first this season and will be hoping summer signing Victor Gyokeres can continue his goal scoring form form last week when he helped them secure their fourth one nil victory of the season.

News conference highlights: Arsenal manger Mikel Arteta: NA

News conference highlights: With no boxing day fixture this year Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler spoke on the benefits of players spending time with their families: "It's so important for their mental health, it's so important for them to see their family and to enjoy the time. That's why I try to give them the most time off as possible and I think that's all my responsibility. And then I hope that they come back stronger."

Predicted team line ups: Arsenal - Raya; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Predicted team line ups: Brighton and Hove Albion - Verbruggen; Wieffer, Veltman, Dunk, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gomez, Gruda; Mitoma, Rutter, Minteh

Predicted score - 4 - 0

K.O - 15.00 - Brentford v Bournemouth

Brentford welcome Bournemouth to the Gtech Community Stadium in a tightly poised Premier League encounter, with just one point separating the sides after 17 matches (Brentford 23, Bournemouth 22). Despite the narrow gap in the table, history favours the hosts. Brentford are unbeaten in all six Premier League meetings between the clubs, winning four and drawing two, while Bournemouth have not beaten Brentford away from home in their last 10 visits in all competitions, a run that dates back to 1995. The Bees come into this fixture aiming to build momentum. Last weekend’s 2–0 victory over Wolves was a significant boost, delivering their first clean sheet in nine league matches. Keith Andrew's side are now chasing consecutive league wins for only the second time this season, as well as back-to-back shutouts. With home advantage and a strong record against Bournemouth, Brentford will feel confident of continuing their recent upturn in form. Bournemouth, by contrast, arrive looking to halt a worrying slump. Their form has deteriorated in recent weeks, with just four points picked up from their last eight league games. Much of Bournemouth’s attacking threat rests on Antoine Semenyo, who has been their standout performer this season. Leading the team for both goals and assists, his pace and direct running could test Brentford’s defence. Semenyo’s form has also attracted interest ahead of the January transfer window, with several clubs competing in European football monitoring his situation.

News conference highlights: Brentford manager Keith Andrews is pleased with his teams progress and mindset stating: "There's only one way we can go and that's up."

News conference highlights: Speaking on winger Antoine Semenyo's future Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said: "It's Antoine Semenyo's future: "Semenyo right now is with us. He trained today with us. I know there is lots of noise around him, it's not my concern. My concern is that it doesn't affect his performances. It isn't doing, he is very committed to the team and I hope we can keep him here."

Predicted team line ups: Brentford - Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Henry; Jensen, Janelt, Yarmolyuk; Schade, Thiago, Lewis-Potter

Predicted team line ups: Bournemouth - Petrovic; Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Tavernier, Cook; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson

Predicted score - 2 - 2

K.O - 15.00 - Burnley v Everton

Turf Moor hosts a meeting between Burnley and Everton with both sides looking to improve on their positions in the Premier League table. Given that each team is averaging around one goal per game this season, the match could develop into a cautious and low-scoring contest. Burnley come into the fixture having ended a difficult run last weekend picking up their first points since an October win at Wolves, stopping a sequence of seven consecutive defeats. Everton’s recent form has also been mixed. David Moyes' team have lost their last two league matches and failed to score in either, highlighting their own current attacking challenges. Despite this, Everton have enjoyed recent success against Burnley, remaining unbeaten in the last three meetings between the sides in all competitions, winning those matches by an aggregate score of 6–0. From Burnley’s perspective, there is some positive history in this fixture. Everton are the Premier League opponent Burnley have beaten most often, with seven victories. That record may offer a degree of encouragement as they look to add to their points total.

News conference highlights: When asked if he is happy going into Christmas 10th in the table, Everton manager David Moyes replied: - "Sort of, but a couple of weeks ago we were fifth or sixth and hoping to go higher. If you can win two or three games on the bounce in this league, it makes a big difference. I hope we have a couple more of them this season so we can challenge at the top again."

News conference highlights: Reflecting on gaining a point at Bournemouth from their last game Burnley manager Scott Parker pointed out: - "It was massive. There's a psychological element in there for the group. It made it a little bit easier."

Predicted team line ups: Burnley - Dubravka; Ekdal, Worrall, Laurent; Walker, Ugochukwu, Cullen, Pires; Bruun Larsen, Broja, Anthony

Predicted team line ups: Everton - Pickford; Mykolenko, Keane, Tarkowski, O'Brien; Garner, Iroegbunam; Grealish, Alcaraz, McNeil; Barry

Predicted score - 0 - 2

K.O 15.00 West ham v Fulham

An all London derby sees West Ham host Fulham at the London Stadium, with the Hammers desperate to end a miserable run of form. West Ham are winless in 49 days and have endured a torrid record against fellow London clubs this season, losing all five Premier League derbies, conceding 14 goals and scoring just twice. Fulham arrive in confident mood, sitting just three points off the European places and aiming to secure a third consecutive away Premier League victory. That would mark a significant improvement on last season, when they managed only two away wins from 12 matches (D1, L9). Despite their recent struggles, West Ham can take encouragement from their strong home form. They have lost just once in their last 14 Premier League matches at the London Stadium (W9, D4), a record they will hope can provide the platform to turn their season around.

News conference highlights: West ham manager Nuno Espirito Santos believes his team are still struggling with the basics in the game: -"We need to improve. Since day one, since I arrived it was clear to me that we need to improve a lot of aspects in our team - defensive and offensive. We are trying and sometimes it works, sometimes we score and sometimes we concede more than we should."

News conference highlights: Fulham manager Marco Silva on the need for discipline from players over Christmas: - "We all know the way they should behave; of course, we are there to repeat it every time you think it is necessary."

Predicted team line ups: West ham - Areola; Walker-Peters, Kilman, Todibo, Julio; Potts, Fernandes, Magassa; Paqueta, Bowen, Summerville

Predicted team line ups: Fulham - Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez

Predicted score - 1 - 3

K.0 - 17.30 Chelsea v Aston Villa

Fourth-placed Chelsea welcome third-placed Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge in what promises to be a mouth watering contest at the top end of the Premier League table. With both sides looking to pull clear of the chasing pack, the stakes are high as the race for Champions League qualification—and possibly more—intensifies.
Chelsea come into the match on the back of an impressive second-half comeback to draw with Newcastle last week, though they will be keen to start on the front foot this time in front of their home supporters. Much of the focus will be on captain Reece James, who has excelled in his new role as a defensive midfielder. His blend of authority, composure, and creativity has been central to Chelsea’s recent performances, and his influence could again prove decisive.
Aston Villa, however, arrive in formidable form. Since a 2–0 defeat to Liverpool on November 1st, Unai Emery’s side have been relentless, winning 10 consecutive matches in all competitions and collecting an astonishing 33 points from the last 36 available in the league. Emery’s passion and meticulous approach have clearly filtered through the squad.
One standout performer has been midfielder Morgan Rogers, whose influence continues to grow. His two superb right-footed curling finishes against Manchester United on Monday night underlined his confidence and quality, and his performances are increasingly putting him firmly in contention for future England squads under Thomas Tuchel, with an eye on the 2026 World Cup.
With both teams in strong form and plenty on the line, Stamford Bridge is set for a compelling and high-quality encounter.

News conference highlights: Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca: - "It will be a very tough game for us and we will have to be at our best because Aston Villa are playing very well. They have a clear way of playing and they are very organised both on and off the ball. They are full of confidence in this moment, but we are at home and we will be trying to get the three points as we always do. We will work hard and continue to grow."

News conference highlights: Aston Villa manager Unai Emery explained how his side were feeling before the trip to top-four rivals Chelsea, he said: "Our momentum is important and tomorrow of course is a huge test for us. We are very motivated and excited. We are focused strongly to do our best."

Predicted team line ups: Chelsea - Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro

Predicted team line ups: Aston Villa - Martinez (GK) – Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen – Onana, Kamara – McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers – Watkins

Predicted score - 2 - 3