Premier League predictions: Gameweek 22

The opening Premier League midweek slate of 2025 certainly didn't disappoint.

Before Amadchester United struck late to down Southampton after falling behind, Liverpool's slip-up at Nottingham Forest was seized upon by Arsenal in the North London Derby. The Reds' advantage at the summit is now just four points, with momentum potentially shifting in the Gunners' favour.

Mikel Arteta's side, however, must embark on a run. It was at this time last year when Arsenal came into their own to push Manchester City all the way, and it may well take something similar to claim a maiden title in over 20 years come May.

Saturday feels significant with the two title favourites in action against tricky opponents.

Here's how 90min projects the weekend's Premier League action to unfold,

Saturday 18 January

Before we get knees deep into title race narratives, the red-hot Newcastle are involved in the early kick-off again as they welcome the similarly buoyant Bournemouth to St. James' Park.

The Cherries are striker-less and are set for a struggle at some point until Evanilson returns, but they came ever so close to securing three points at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Andoni Iraola's coaching will doubtlessly aid Saturday's visitors in a tough environment, but slowing down the Magpies on home soil has proven to be a futile task for so many in recent weeks.

Eddie Howe's men are up to fourth after securing their sixth Premier League victory on the bounce against Wolves on Wednesday.

After a flat opening 45 minutes, Liverpool turned it on in the second half against Nottingham Forest last time out, but were only able to muster a point. It's a result Arne Slot may well have taken before kick-off, although his team have manifested previously unseen frailties over the past month.

They can't allow their minor blip to develop on Saturday when they take on a Brentford team who came back from two goals down to draw with Manchester City in midweek. The Bees rank among the most prolific and productive home performers in the Premier League this term. Another Liverpool slip-up will aim to be seized upon by Arsenal, who face Aston Villa in the evening kick-off.

Villa completed the double over Mikel Arteta's side last season, crushing their title hopes, but the Gunners did win the reverse fixture 2-0 back in August.

In the day's other games, Leicester, who have lost their last five league games, welcome mid-table Fulham to King Power Stadium, while Graham Potter's West Ham host a resurgent Crystal Palace in an all-London affair.

Sunday 19 January

Tottenham will still be without an endless list of players when they face Everton at Goodison Park, but Ange Postecoglou can ill afford to wait until February (when Spurs should be healthier) to start picking up points.

Their work in the cups has arguably kept the Greek-Aussie coach in the job, with Spurs collecting just five points from a possible 27 entering Sunday's game. They struggle against deep-lying defences, and Everton will prove an awkward assignment given their threat from set plays. David Moyes endured defeat on his Goodison return against Villa on Wednesday.

It appeared as if Man Utd were going to endure a humiliating home defeat to bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Thursday, with a turgid first half display capped off by Manuel Ugarte's own goal. Then Amad happened.

As a result, the Theatre of Dreams waits in anticipation of Brighton's visit. The Seagulls have had success at Old Trafford in the recent past and they head into the game having secured their first win since November at Ipswich.

Southampton have offered competence with Ivan Juric at the helm, but they've got another daunting away day on Sunday with Nottingham Forest welcoming them to the City Ground.

After producing a spirited showing in defeat to Brighton, Ipswich welcome Manchester City to Portman Road. City are starting to click in attack, but they remain distinctly vulnerable defensively. Erling Haaland will be keen to celebrate his bumper new deal with a goal or three in East Anglia.

Monday 20 January

Gameweek 22 rounds off at Stamford Bridge on Monday night with the out-of-sorts Chelsea taking on the relegation-threatened Wolves.

Enzo Maresca's Blues have hit a wall, but Cole Palmer remains remarkably good at the sport. They've always got a chance, especially if their talisman proves his fitness to start.

Wolves' new manager bounce has dissipated rather swiftly after a bright start to Vitor Pereira's reign, and the Portuguese coach will have to mitigate a gauntlet over the next few weeks. There's no room for respite, but Chelsea's current malaise should give them a sniff.

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP