The Premier League, considered the most competitive league in the world for its level of play and the quality of its teams, will experience a key matchday this weekend, marked by decisive games in the fight for the top of the table. With only 5 points separating second from fifth place, each match could alter the course of the standings as the first half of the season draws to a close.
Everton vs. Liverpool: Duel of Opposites
On Saturday, December 7, Everton will play at home against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Goodison Park. Arne Sloth's team is the best performing team with a total of 35 points and +18 goal difference. In their last 5 matches, they have won 4 and drawn 1. In contrast, Everton is going through a difficult streak, with only one win in their last 5 matches and currently occupies 14th place in the standings.
The last meeting between the two was on April 24, when Everton won 2-0 with goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. For this match, Liverpool will still be dealing with several absentees, including Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota and Ibrahima Konaté.
Forecast: Liverpool favorite with odds of -219, draw priced at +380 and Everton win at +575.
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City: Can City Rise?
Another interesting game will be played when Manchester City visits Crystal Palace at Selhurtst Park.
City have been going through very particular circumstances after going 8 games without a win in all competitions. The eyes of the world were on the club led by Pep Guardiola who finally managed to break the streak after beating Nottingham Forest 3 goals to nil on matchday 14. In the league, they are fourth with 26 points.
Crystal Palace will be looking to take advantage of their home advantage to overcome the poor results they have had recently where they have only won one of their last 5 matches. They are in 17th place with 12 points and a goal difference of -6.
The Cityzens are missing Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden, Nathan Ake, John Stones, among others.
Forecast: Manchester City is favorite with odds of -167, draw at +330 and Crystal Palace win for +440.
Saturday we visit Selhurst Park 🦅 pic.twitter.com/GwtG4o7bb4
- Manchester City (@ManCity) December 5, 2024
Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest: New air at Old Trafford?
Saturday's match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at the Theatre of Dreams will close the day.
Nottingham started the season very strongly and was even in third place, but in their last five games they have only managed to win two of them and lost the remaining three to occupy sixth place with 22 points.
The team led by new coach Rúben Amorim, on the other hand, have only managed to win one of their last five matches, drawing two and losing two, placing them in 11th position with 19 points. The last meeting between the two was a victory for Forest 2 goals to 1 in December 2023.
The Red Devils are without Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans. Nottingham have Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare injured.
Forecast: United is the favorite with odds of -153, the draw at +320 and the win at +410.
On Sunday December 8th Fulham will face Arsenal who share the second place with Chelsea. This match will be played at Craven Cottage.
Fulham vs. Arsenal: Gunners Look to Stay on Track
Arsenal continues a fine campaign under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, occupying the third place sharing 28 points with Chelsea. They have won their last 3 games in a row and have a goal difference of +14.
Fulham, on the other hand, are in 12th place and are coming off a draw with Spurs and a loss to Wolves. The last meeting between the two dates back to December 31, 2023 when Fulham won 2-1.
The Gunners are without Tomiyasu, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, among others, while Fulham will be without Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca and Harrison Reed.
Forecast: Arsenal is the favorite with odds of -164. The draw at +330 and Fulham win at +430.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea: Looking for European places
The day will close with a high tension game between Spurs and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Chelsea seems to have returned to being a competitive team after seasons without qualifying for European competitions, dozens of transfers and a resounding sale that continues to transform the club. They are currently in second place with 28 points and a goal difference of +16, just 7 points behind the leaders.
Tottenham, on the other hand, sees far away that season where they managed to reach the Champions League final and today they are placed eighth with 20 points, so this match could give them a boost to battle for the longed-for European places.
Last season Chelsea won both meetings 2-0 and 1-4.
Spurs are without Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, among others, while Chelsea will be without Reece James and Wesley Fofana.
Forecast: The Blues are favorites with a line of +100, followed by Tottenham's victory with +227. The draw scores +323.
Remember that lines are dynamic and constantly changing.
This weekend promises to be another exciting round of Premier League action, with every team fighting for their goals in the toughest competition in world soccer.
