Premier League 2025–26 on Matchday 18 With Past Contenders

Last weekend, in the 2025-26 Premier League season, many matches were completed, and it felt thrilling for fans. Newcastle drew 2-2 with Chelsea in the English Premier League. Goals were scored by Nick Woltemade (4′, 20′) for Newcastle team. On the other hand, goals were scored by Reece James (49′) and Joao Pedro (66′) in the Premier League 2025-26. Initially, Brentford secured a 2-0 win over Wolves, where Keane Lewis-Potter (63′, 83′) scored for Brentford.

However, Manchester City overpowered West Ham 3-0 in the Premier League 2025-26 season. For this purpose, goals were scored by Erling Haaland (5′, 69′) and Tijjani Reijnders (38′) for Manchester City. Following that, Brighton and Sunderland tied in performances with a draw in the Premier League 2025-26 season. Dive into the world of sports with in-depth information and the latest updates.

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Past Opponents

Bournemouth shared the points in a draw against Burnley, a past contender this year. For this reason, Antoine Semenyo (67′) scored a goal for the Bournemouth team. At the same time, Burnley scored with an Armando Broja goal in the 90th minute. Furthermore, Liverpool dominated Tottenham 2-1 in the Premier League. Alexander Isak (56′) and Hugo Ekitike (66′) scored for the Liverpool side. On the other end, Richarlison (83′) and Cristian Romero (90+3′) scored for the Tottenham side. Xavi Simons (33′) received a red card for Tottenham.

However, Leeds United dominated Crystal Palace 4-1, where Justin Devenny (90+2′) scored for Crystal Palace. For this purpose, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (38′, 45+4′), Ethan Ampadu (60′), and Anton Stach (90+11′) scored for the Leeds United side. Moreover, Arsenal defeated Everton 1-0 in the Premier League. Aston Villa 2-1 with Man United, and check out the football news with up-to-the-minute updates.

Forthcoming Locks

Manchester United vs Newcastle

Manchester United F.C. will face Newcastle United F.C. on December 26, 2025, at Old Trafford, Stretford. Check it out if you are a Premier League fan for matchday 18 in the 2025-26 season.

Bad Turn

• Manchester United F.C. side is affected by the finest player, Harry Maguire, due to knee issues. Another one, Matthijs de Ligt, suffered a knock and is questionable for the upcoming clash.
• Meanwhile, Newcastle United F.C.’s excellent player Daniel Johnson Burn is out due to a rib injury. Other players, such as Emil Krafth and Valentino Livramento, were affected by knee injuries.

Prediction

Manchester United drew 1-1 with West Ham in their recent game. West Ham’s goal was scored by Diogo Dalot (58′) for Manchester United. On the other hand, West Ham’s goal was scored by Soungoutou Magassa in the 83rd minute. Additionally, Manchester United recorded 13 fouls, three yellow cards, and no red cards. In fact, this team sits in 6th position with 26 points in the Premier League. They have completed 16 matches with seven wins, five draws, and four losses across all competitions. In the last five games, Manchester United has two wins, two draws, and one loss.

Correspondingly, Newcastle secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham in the EFL Cup quarter-final 2025-26. For this reason, goals were scored by Yoane Wissa (10′) and Lewis Miley (90+2′) for Newcastle. On the other end, Fulham scored by Sasa Lukic in the 16th minute. Furthermore, Newcastle marked 11 shots and seven shots on target. They have recorded six wins, four draws, and 6 losses, aggregating 22 points. Hence, Manchester United F.C. will have a greater chance of securing a victory.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City

At City Ground, Nottingham, England, Manchester City F.C. and Nottingham Forest F.C. will meet. They will meet up on December 27, 2025, for matchday 18 in the Premier League 2025-26 showdown.

Bad Turn

• Nottm Forest has Chris Wood, and Nicolas Dominguez was affected by a knee problem. Meanwhile, Matz Sels is out with a groin injury, and Taiwo Awoniyi is dealing with muscle issues.
• On the other end, Jeremy Doku is out due to a leg problem for Manchester City. Others are Mateo Kovacic due to an ankle problem, and Rodri due to a lack of fitness.

Prediction

In the recent EPL game, Everton secured a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. They have finished 15 matches with five victories, three draws, and eight losses across all competitions. In essence, Nottingham Forest finished 16th in the Premier League standings with 18 points.

Conversely, Manchester  City dominated Brentford 2-0 in the EFL Cup quarter-final this season. For this purpose, goals were scored by Rayan Cherki (32′) and Savinho (67′) for Manchester City. They took 12 shots and recorded seven shots on target. In addition, they have partial possession with seven fouls and two yellow cards, and zero red cards in the EFL Cup. In their last five games, Manchester City has four consecutive wins with one loss. As we conclude, Man City will surely win their upcoming match.

Arsenal vs Brighton

On December 27, 2025, Arsenal F.C. will face Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. at the Emirates Stadium in London. Both teams are playing for matchday 18 in the Premier League 2025-26 season.

Bad Turn

• Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman have been affected by an ankle injury for the Arsenal side. Some more players are Ben White, due to a hamstring problem, and Gabriel, with an affected muscle.
• Brighton & Hove Albion players Adam Webster, Solly March, and Stefanos Tzimas have been affected by knee injuries. While Tom Watson is due to physical discomfort, he is doubtful.

Prediction

Consequently, Arsenal recorded 16 shots and 13 shots on target in its last game. Their moderate possession with lower passes was offset by higher pass accuracy. They notched 11 fouls with two yellow cards and zero red cards. In the top position, Arsenal is currently placed. Arsenal, which has played 16 matches with 36 points. They have 11 victories, three draws, and two losses across all competitions. In their last five recent games, Arsenal has recorded three wins, one loss, and one draw.

Compared to Brighton, Brighton defeated Aston Villa lost in the English Premier League 2025-26 season. Goals were scored by Jan Paul van Hecke (9′, 83′) and Pau Torres (29′) for Brighton. On the other hand, Aston Villa scored by Ollie Watkins (37′, 45+7′), Amadou Onana (60′), and Donyell Malen (78′). Otherwise, Brighton scored 10 shots and five shots on target. Their middle possession with down passes throughout high pass accuracy. Brighton sits in 10th position with 16 finished fixtures. They have six wins, five draws, and five losses in the Premier League table. Brighton recorded two victories and one draw, and suffered two losses in their last five fixtures. Thus, Arsenal will have a home-turf advantage to hold on to triumph.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

In the Premier League 2025-26 showdown, Chelsea F.C. will face off against with Aston Villa F.C. for matchday 18. They are  set to meet on December 27, 2025, at Stamford Bridge, London, England.

Bad Turn

• Chelsea has the finest player, Dario Essugo, but due to a thigh injury, Mykhaylo Mudryk got a red card. Estevao was affected by a muscle problem, and Levi Colwill was affected by a cruciate ligament problem. Liam Delap sustained an injury to his shoulder and is questionable for the upcoming match.
• Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez was affected by a back problem, and Pau Torres was affected by a knock for Aston Villa. Ross Barkley was affected by a knock, and Tyrone Mings was affected by a hamstring problem.

Prediction

In the EFL Cup 2025-26 season, Chelsea overpowered Cardiff City with a 3-1 score. Chelsea’s goals were scored by Alejandro Garnacho (57′, 90+3′) and Pedro Neto (82′) for the Chelsea side. Meanwhile, David Turnbull (75′) scored for Cardiff City. Chelsea scored 19 shots and six shots on target. Chelsea completed 16 matches with eight wins, four draws, and four losses in the EPL table. In their last five fixtures, they had two wins, two draws, and one loss with 28 points. They have qualified for the UEFA Champion League group stage as the lucky team.

On the other hand, Basel scored by Flavius Daniliuc in the 34th minute. They attained six shots and five shots on target. Their moderate possession with softened passes overpowers accuracy. In the last five games, Aston Villa has earned five consecutive victories. Therefore, Chelsea will continue to use the same tactical moves to achieve success.

Sunderland vs Leeds United

At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Leeds United will face off with Sunderland A.F.C. on December 28, 2025. Both teams are playing for matchday 18 in the Premier League 2025-26 season.

Bad Turn

• Sunderland has the finest player. Luke O’Nien received a red card. Some other players are Ajibola Alese, due to a shoulder injury, and Leo Hjelde, who suffered an Achilles tendon injury.
• Meanwhile, the Leeds United team has a Daniel James due to a hamstring problem. Lukas Nmecha was affected by a hamstring injury and Sean Longstaff by a calf injury.

Prediction

Sunderland lost 0-3 against Manchester City in the Premier League 2025-26 season. So then, goals were scored by Ruben Dias (31′), Josko Gvardiol (35′), and Phil Foden (65′) for Man City. On the other hand, Luke O’Nien (90+6′) received a red card for Sunderland. They’re down-range possession with small passes throughout upper-level pass accuracy. In the last five games, Sunderland has two wins, two losses, and one draw.

Similar to Leeds United drew 3-3 against Liverpool in the Premier League 2025-26 season. For this purpose, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (73′), Anton Stach (75′), and Ao Tanaka (90+6′) scored for Leeds United. They have taken ten shots and five shots on target. Their approach involves lower passes and higher pass accuracy. According to their performances, Sunderland will slightly gain an edge.

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

On December 28, 2025, Crystal Palace F.C. and Tottenham Hotspur F.C. will meet at Selhurst Park in London. They are meeting up for matchday 18 in the Premier League 2025-26 showdown.

Bad Turn

• Crystal Palace has a Caleb Kporha sidelined due to a back problem, and Chadi Riad was affected by a cruciate ligament injury. Cheick Oumar Doucoure and Daniel Munoz were affected by knee problems.
• Dejan Kulusevski was affected by a knee injury, and Destiny Udogie was affected by a strain problem for Spurs. James Maddison has a cruciate ligament problem, and he is doubtful.

Prediction

Crystal Palace drew 2-2 with KuPS in the Europa Conference League. For this purpose, Christantus Uche (5′) and Justin Devenny (76′) scored for Crystal Palace. Moreover, Crystal Palace attained 15 shots and eight shots on target. Their low possession with down-level passes is offset by superior pass accuracy.

In the same way, Tottenham dominated 3-0 over Slavia Praha in the UEFA Champions League. At the same time, goals were scored by David Zima (26′), Mohammed Kudus (50′), and Xavi Simons (79′) for Tottenham. Their moderate possession with down passes throughout higher-level pass accuracy. Then, Crystal Palace will undoubtedly dominate their upcoming games.