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The Manchester Derby, Chelsea’s Brentford test, Tottenham’s Crisis, and More: Matchweek 16 Preview

The Manchester Derby, Chelsea’s Brentford test, Tottenham’s Crisis, and More: Matchweek 16 Preview

| December 13, 2024 |
The Manchester Derby, Chelsea’s Brentford test, Tottenham’s Crisis, and More: Matchweek 16 Preview

Matchweek 15 of the Premier League delivered high-octane action and drama, and only time will tell if Matchweek 16 can live up to its hype and expectations. On paper, though, there are plenty of quality games on offer that will shape the table at both ends come this weekend.

Can Liverpool extend their lead at the top? Will Chelsea close the gap further on the Reds? Will Gary O’Neil find some respite at Wolves?

Here are 15 things to look forward to in Matchweek 16 of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

#1 Can Fulham sting Liverpool?

Fulham have been enjoying another solid season under Marco Silva. Since the shock 4-1 defeat to Wolves, they have snapped points from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, and Arsenal.

Silva’s men held the North London duo to 1-1 stalemates, sandwiched by a wonderful 3-1 win over Brighton. With momentum in their sails, the Cottagers travel to Anfield to take on runaway leaders Liverpool. The Reds have been such a joy to watch under new boss Arne Slot, playing with a lot of flair, energy and creativity, but certainly more measured than his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

However, with creative and pacey attackers such as Alex Iwobi, Andreas Pereira and Emile Smith Rowe in the side, and Raul Jimenez leading the line, Fulham can cause problems for a Liverpool defence that likes to play a high line.

Alisson Becker was picked in the first squad since 5 October against Girona in Spain in the Champions League and helped Liverpool to a clean sheet. Girona tested him from different positions and angles, but the Brazilian managed to blow off the cobwebs with all the shots from the Spanish side.


The return of Alisson from injury means Caoimhin Kelleher’s latest run in the Liverpool first team could be over. He has been excellent for the Reds since stepping up to deputise for the injured Alisson, helping the team register important wins against Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Aston Villa, and Bayer Leverkusen.

“Alisson is, and will be, our first goalkeeper if he is fit,” Arne Slot said after Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa—in which Kelleher made some excellent saves. “Caoimhin has done outstandingly last season and this season again as well. But the moment Alisson is fit, he will be our first goalkeeper.”

Thus, the writing is clear on the wall for Kelleher.

#2 In-form Danny Welbeck vs Crystal Palace’s defence

Brighton and Hove Albion, under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, have performed very well in the Premier League. The Seagulls have somewhat overachieved in Hurzeler’s first season so far, and while they have managed only two points in the last three games, they remain well in the mix for European spots.

Hurzeler’s side are seventh in the league table, playing an attractive, pressing brand of football with Danny Welbeck leading their attack. Welbeck—a seasoned campaigner in the top flight—is Brighton’s top scorer with six goals in 14 league appearances. The 34-year-old is crucial to Hurzeler’s system, having clocked a lot of minutes this season.

Against a Crystal Palace side that has leaked 20 goals in 15 games and is just a spot above the relegation zone, Welbeck will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing them on Sunday.

Crystal Palace have moved out of the dreaded drop zone after going on a four-game unbeaten run. They have stopped Newcastle United and Manchester City in recent games at home, while bagging all three points away at Ipswich Town.

While performances have improved a bit, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner will want to see his team start registering more wins on the board. They travel to Brighton at the weekend for the M23 derby, and on paper, the hosts are favourites to win the contest.

But games are not won on paper, and the Eagles being the underdogs on their travels during this period isn’t bad. If Glasner’s men can take a leaf out of Leicester City’s performance against Fabian Hurzeler’s men from last weekend, they will get chances to hurt the home side.

#3 Will Manchester City get some derby joy?

Manchester City’s crisis deepened in midweek as they were beaten 2-0 by Juventus in Turin in the Champions League. This means Pep Guardiola’s side lost their seventh game in their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Bidding to lift a record-extending fifth successive Premier League trophy, Man City’s dismal run has left the champions fourth in the Premier League – eight points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. The morale is low within the camp, players look devoid of energy and the manager bewildered.

Now the Sky Blues’ biggest rivals lie in wait on Sunday, definitely not the game they would have wanted in this moment, but if City are to reinstall confidence and get their season back on track, beating Manchester United would go a long way in doing that.

#4 Another scoring spree featuring Chelsea?

Stamford Bridge will host the first installment of the West London derby between Chelsea and Brentford this season.

The Blues are currently second in the Premier League table, just four points behind leaders Liverpool. Despite finding themselves 2-0 down early at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they showed great fight and resilience to come back and register a 4-3 win over Spurs.

Chelsea’s opponents on Sunday, Brentford, are the joint-second highest scorers in the division. They have been exciting to watch again and will head across the capital with huge confidence after smashing Newcastle 4-2 at home in their last game.

One particular Chelsea player with something to prove is Jadon Sanho.

Sancho looked like an elite young talent at Borussia Dortmund a few years ago, but for one reason or another, he never got going for Manchester United. After publicly falling out with ex-United boss Erik ten Hag last year and re-joining Dortmund on loan in January, he finally left the Red Devils and signed for Chelsea in the summer in an initial loan move with the obligation to become permanent for £25million.

He has looked close to his best at times in a Chelsea shirt and produced by far his most dazzling display in the 4-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday. The English winger has often been accused of lacking consistency and work rate in recent years, so the onus will be on him to build on last weekend’s performance and get some uniformity in his performance levels against Brentford.

Brentford’s overreliance on home comfort makes Chelsea the favourites for the game. Regardless, we expect an enthralling, high-scoring game when Chelsea host the Bees.

#5 Can Nottingham Forest get another big scalp?

Nottingham Forest are enjoying their best season in the top flight since 2002-03 as they find themselves 5th in the Premier League with 25 points from 15 games. Under Nuno Espirito Santo this season, they have beaten Liverpool and Manchester United away and held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge with 10 men.

After earning a fantastic 3-2 win at Old Trafford last time out, Forest host Aston Villa in what promises to be a mouth-watering Midlands derby. Villa haven’t been at their best over the last two months but recently bounced back with wins over Brentford, Southampton, and RB Leipzig.

At home, Nuno’s men have been terrific and have the best chance to add another big scalp in the form of Villa.

Villa have been inconsistent in the league, and there’s little doubt that their intense Champions League performances have played a part.

Morgan Rogers has been one of the brightest sparks in an otherwise topsy-turvy league campaign for Aston Villa. Let go by Manchester City in 2023, the creative forward shone at Middlesbrough, which led to Villa signing him in January earlier this year.

The 22-year-old has been brilliant for Unai Emery’s side, becoming a key cog in their attack. As a No.10, Rogers thrives in half-spaces and exploiting pockets behind the opposition’s midfield—an area Forest must try packing.

#6 Will Wolves respond against Ipswich?

Wolverhampton Wanderers have lost three successive matches, with a 2-1 defeat at West Ham on Monday increasing the scrutiny on manager Gary O’Neil. They are four points from the last safe spot and have mustered just two league wins this season.

Wolves have decided to stand by their manager despite difficult times, giving O’Neil a chance to turn the fortunes around. With Ipswich Town Molineux’s next visitors, will O’Neil and Co. respond?

Since the impressive draw against Manchester United at home, Ipswich Town have lost their last three games. Kieran McKenna is under pressure, and he will be desperate to end the rut.

The Ipswich boss certainly has hope in Liam Delap, who is the club’s top scorer this season with six strikes. A battering ram blessed with great pace, energy and physicality, the young Englishman gives the Tractor Boys something going forward. He will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Wolves, who have the worst defensive record in the division.

#7 Leicester City resurgence to continue under Ruud van Nistelrooy?

It has been a whirlwind of a start to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure at Leicester City. Two games in, and with two good results secured against West Ham and Brighton, there’s plenty to get stuck into for fans and observers.

Under the Dutchman, the Foxes already look more compact and disciplined in defence. There is a newfound energy in midfield, with Jamie Vardy up top showing there’s still life in the old dog. With their next assignment away at the boisterous St James’ Park, it will be interesting to see how Nistelrooy’s troops compete against Newcastle.

#8 Everton’s full-back department faces a stern Arsenal test

Last weekend’s Merseyside derby was postponed due to Storm Darragh, which means Everton had a full week to prepare for the trip to Arsenal.

Before the postponed Merseyside derby, the Toffees had smashed Wolves 4-0 with their full-backs Ashley Young and Vitali Mykolenko producing eye-catching displays. However, they are poised to come up against Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli—two of the Premier League’s trickiest wingers.

Saka has been Arsenal’s best player and comes into this game after scoring a brace against AS Monaco in the Champions League. Martinelli’s form may have dipped, but he still remains a dangerous customer on his day. So, how Young and Mykolenko cope with the Arsenal wingers will be an interesting watch.

#9 Crucial time for Russell Martin’s Southampton

With Russell Martin in desperate firefighting mode, Southampton’s home game against Tottenham hardly makes things easier.

The Saints are lying at the bottom of the league table for a reason. They are winless in their last five games, losing four and drawing once. As they seek to return to winning ways, in their way are Spurs, who have endured an up-and-down season.

While Ange Postecoglou’s side will not be at full strength at St Mary’s Stadium due to suspensions and injuries, if Southampton go down to 11 losses in the league, it could be curtains for Russell Martin.

#10 West Ham’s test of character at the Vitality Stadium

Vitality Stadium has seen some memorable nights this season, with Bournemouth beating the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham already. At home, Andoni Iraola’s side have proven to be a different kettle of fish altogether, and it would take a bold heart to bet against them playing in front of their loyal fans.

West Ham face a strong test away at Bournemouth. Julen Lopetegui isn’t out of the woods yet. His side beat a poor Wolves team 2-1 last time, but the real challenge will be at the Vitality Stadium. A defeat on the South Coast could spell the Spaniard’s end as West Ham boss

 

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