Premier League Matchday 20 Analysis and Preview
The Premier League season in 2023-24 is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory.
Manchester City are defending champions and the team to beat, though it looks highly competitive behind them, with around half the division starting the campaign with realistic hopes of European qualification.
There is set to be an equally intense battle to avoid relegation at the bottom of the league table, with playing in the Premier League now more valuable financially than ever before.
Ten games on Matchday 20 in the Premier League will bring an end to what has been a frantic flurry of action either side of Christmas. After this round, the top flight will break for the comparative calm of FA Cup third-round weekend.
Aston Villa predicted to bounce back from Old Trafford collapse and defeat Burnley.
Liverpool backed to inflict another defeat on slumping Newcastle at Anfield.
Arsenal and Man Utd given the edge in their away matches but should expect to face tough tests against Fulham and Forest respectively.
Luton vs Chelsea
The latest round of action will begin with Luton Town taking on Chelsea in the Saturday early fixture. The Blues earned a late and much-needed win over Crystal Palace last time out, while Luton are also on a high after seeing off relegation rivals Sheffield United. Chelsea have lost each of their last four Premier League away games, their longest losing run on the road since a run of five in 2000 under the stewardship of Claudio Ranieri. However, current Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has taken charge of more away games against promoted teams in the Premier League without losing than any other manager – in 20 such matches, he has won 18, drawn two and lost none. Therefore, Chelsea are given the edge
Chelsea to win at 1.53
Man City vs Sheffield
The prediction with the most conviction this week is unsurprisingly Manchester City to defeat bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United at home. Pep Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in 19 home games, although the last three of those have been draws. City love this fixture, as they have won six straight Premier League clashes with the Blades and never lost to them in 11 top-flight meetings. In their last nine league games against reigning top-flight champions, Sheffield Utd have lost on every occasion.
Man City to win and over 2.5 at 1.30
Forest vs Man Utd
It looked like it might be all over for Erik ten Hag at Man Utd in midweek, but a comeback victory gave the Dutchman a reprieve that he will hope to convert into back-to-back wins when his side travel to play Nottingham Forest in the Saturday early evening fixture. While Forest (and hat-trick hero Chris Wood) impressed in beating Newcastle at St James’ Park, they usually struggle against Man Utd, losing their last 11 meetings in all competitions, including each of the last four at home by an aggregate score of 17-1. Although United have failed to score in each of their last three top-flight away games, our model expects that run to come to an end given they have not gone four league games on the road without a goal since April 1989. United are given the edge with a win
United to win at 2.15
Fulham vs Arsenal
Fulham host Arsenal in what could be a competitive London derby on Sunday. After a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium in August, Fulham are looking to avoid defeat in both Premier League meetings with Arsenal in a single season for just the third time, having previously done so in 2008-09 and 2011-12. Arsenal have, after all, won their last five Premier League meetings with Fulham at Craven Cottage and have a point to prove after their home loss against West Ham. But Fulham had back-to-back 5-0 wins earlier this month and are still given a fighting chance with a draw consideration. It will be interesting to follow the fortunes of Willian in this match. The Brazilian has been directly involved in 10 Premier League goals at Craven Cottage since the start of last season (eight goals, two assists) – the most of any Fulham player. However, his former club Arsenal are the team he’s made the most appearances against in the competition without ever scoring, failing to do so in 12 attempts so far.
Arsenal to win at 1.56
