Premier League Returns with Gameweek 28
The 2024-25 Premier League season is back in full swing following a brief hiatus for the FA Cup. Gameweek 28 promises to be a thrilling round of fixtures, with key battles across the board. The weekend’s action kicks off with Manchester City’s visit to Nottingham Forest and concludes with West Ham United hosting Newcastle United on Monday night. Sandwiched between these fixtures is a standout match at Old Trafford, where Manchester United will take on Arsenal. The stakes are high for both teams, as they look to make a statement in the league’s pecking order.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
Nottingham Forest are currently navigating a rough patch, having won only one of their last five matches and going without a win in their last three. This slide has seen them drop into the intense battle for the top four, a position they once coveted. On the other side, Manchester City, while not at their best, have still managed to secure two wins and two losses in their past four games. However, the champions have struggled in recent Premier League matches when starting the day in the top four, taking just one point from their last seven such games. The Forest will need to capitalize on City’s inconsistency, but the visitors’ pedigree and depth make this a formidable challenge.
Brighton vs Fulham
This matchup is a clash of two sides with ambitions to disrupt the European qualification battle. Brighton and Hove Albion are on a solid run, having won each of their last three games, which has pushed them up to eighth place, just four points outside the top four. Fulham, their opponents, sit one point and one place behind Brighton, driven by their recent form, which includes wins in four of their last six matches. Brighton’s home record this season is a mixed bag, with only two losses in 13 games but a surprising six draws. Fulham will need to break this draw trend to keep pace in the chase for European spots.
Crystal Palace vs Ipswich Town
Crystal Palace are currently enjoying a resurgence, with four victories in their last six Premier League matches. This form has lifted them comfortably away from the relegation zone. Their challenge in this gameweek comes from Ipswich Town, who are struggling mightily. The Tractor Boys have lost five of their past seven games and have been unable to secure a win on the road in their last four attempts. The gap in form and performance between the two teams suggests a straightforward victory for Crystal Palace, further cementing their position in mid-table security.
Liverpool vs Southampton
Liverpool, the leaders of the Premier League, aim to extend their advantage and put more pressure on the title race. The Reds have won four of their last six matches and drawn the other two, showcasing their dominance. They face a Southampton side that has endured a nightmarish season, with 22 losses so far, including three since their last victory. Liverpool’s potent attack, the best in the league, will likely overwhelm Southampton’s porous defense, making this a one-sided affair that could see the Reds notch another significant win.
Brentford vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s aspirations for a return to the Champions League are looking increasingly tenuous. The Villans have won just one of their last seven league games, slipping down to 10th place. Despite being just five points outside the top four, Villa’s form is a cause for concern. Brentford, who are one place below Villa and four points back, have a game in hand and are in better form, having won three of their last five league matches and remaining unbeaten in their past three. This bout at the Brentford Community Stadium could see the Bees capitalize on Villa’s struggles to close the gap.
Wolves vs Everton and West Ham vs Newcastle
Wolverhampton Wanderers host Everton on Saturday evening with a sense of urgency. Vitor Pereira’s team is five points clear of the relegation zone but has been unable to string together consistent wins. The loss of Matheus Cunha adds to their woes. Everton, under David Moyes, have been one of the more consistent teams in the league, unbeaten in their past seven matches and on their longest such run since February 2017. This clash could be a pivotal moment for Wolves, as they must avoid dropping points to maintain their safety margin.
West Ham United, fresh off back-to-back league wins, face Newcastle United on Monday night. The Hammers haven’t won three consecutive league matches since December 2023, and they will be eager to break that streak. Newcastle, despite losing four of their last six games, have a strong record against West Ham at the London Stadium, being unbeaten in their past five away matches there (three wins, two draws). This fixture could test West Ham’s recent momentum and Newcastle’s resilience on the road.
Manchester United vs Arsenal: The Standout Match
The highlight of gameweek 28 is undoubtedly the grudge match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. For Arsenal, this is a must-win game to keep their slim title hopes alive, trailing Liverpool by 16 points. Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils, meanwhile, cannot afford another home defeat, which would further jeopardize their standings in the bottom half. Recent history favors Arsenal, who have won their last four Premier League games against Man United, their longest winning run against the Red Devils in their league history. A high-stakes encounter is on the cards, with both teams desperate for a positive result to boost their respective campaigns.
Chelsea vs Leicester City
Chelsea have struggled in recent months, winning only three of their past 11 Premier League games. However, all three of those victories have come in their last three home matches, including a recent win against the league’s bottom club, Southampton. Leicester City, on the other hand, are in dire straits, having lost 11 of their last 12 league games and their last four consecutive matches. Chelsea’s home advantage and Leicester’s poor form suggest a comfortable win for the Blues, providing them with a much-needed boost and putting more pressure on the Foxes’ relegation battle.
Tottenham vs Bournemouth
Bournemouth have surprisingly emerged as European contenders, sitting just four points outside the top four. However, their recent form has dipped, with three losses in their last four matches, as many as in their previous 18. Tottenham Hotspur, in contrast, are performing better, although their three-match winning streak was recently halted by Manchester City. The Cherries will need to snap their losing streak if they are to maintain their European aspirations, while Tottenham will be aiming to build on their solid home record, where they have won five of their 14 league games this season. The Spurs are the favorites, but Bournemouth’s ambitions will push them to give a strong performance.
