New Delhi: Matchday 12 of the Premier League began with its share of drama as Brighton and Southampton played out a contentious draw, propelled by a VAR controversy that helped Brighton climb to second in the standings. The excitement continues today, headlined by a thrilling London derby between Arsenal and West Ham at the London Stadium. Leicester City also takes the spotlight as newly appointed manager Ruud van Nistelrooy observes from the sidelines, leaving interim boss Ben Dawson to guide the Foxes.
With a day fully packed with action and drama to be followed, let’s delve into the matchups and see which teams hold the edge heading into today’s fixtures.
Wolves vs Bournemouth (8:30 pm IST)
Bournemouth at home. COYW 🐺 pic.twitter.com/fi8B1LXKbH
— Wolves (@Wolves) November 30, 2024
Gary O’Neil is all set to reunite with his former club as Wolverhampton Wanderers prepare to host Bournemouth at Molineux Stadium. The hosts are aiming for a third consecutive win after defeating Fulham 4-1 on matchday 12 while Andoni Iraola’s side comes into this match on the back of a 2-1 loss to 10-man Brighton last weekend. Wolves have secured just two wins in the league and sit just above the relegation zone with nine points. However, they have shown signs of improvement, remaining unbeaten in their last four league matches.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth have suffered back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Brentford which have seen them drop to 13th place in the Premier League standings. Despite these setbacks, the Cherries’ forwards still pose a threat and will look to break down Wolves’ defense in the final third, as they have been clinical throughout the season.
Wolves: Sa; Lemina, Toti, Dawson; Semedo, Andre, J. Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Bellegarde, Cunha; Larsen
Bournemouth: Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Kluivert, Christie, Tavernier; Evanilson
Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Bournemouth
Crystal Palace vs Newcastle (8:30 pm IST)
UNITED. 👊 pic.twitter.com/mYNjUeeHCW
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) November 30, 2024
Crystal Palace will welcome Newcastle to Selhurst Park in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League encounter. The Eagles have endured a tough start to the season, currently sitting at the bottom of the table in 19th place, just above the relegation zone. In their most recent fixture against Aston Villa, they managed a 2-2 draw and secured a point.
On the other hand, Newcastle have had a mixed start to their campaign, suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham last weekend. The Magpies have been inconsistent this season, reflected in their mid-table position of 10th. While they have struggled to find the back of the net their defense has been solid making it difficult for opponents to break them down. The match will be crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings.
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Doucoure, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Devenny; Mateta
Newcastle: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Tonali, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Barnes
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle
Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town (8:30 pm IST)
Matchday on Trentside! 🏡 pic.twitter.com/4JAmsMHA6O
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) November 30, 2024
Ipswich Town are looking to extend their unbeaten run as they travel to the City Ground for their upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest. Kieran McKenna’s men denied Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim a dream debut with a 1-1 draw last weekend, while Nuno Espírito Santo’s side suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Nottingham Forest have won five of their 12 games this season and currently sit seventh in the standings. However, back-to-back losses have halted their momentum and they will be eager to return to winning ways on home turf. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town have managed just one win in 12 matches and are 18th in the league table. Despite their struggles, the Tractor Boys are unbeaten in their last three games and will look to keep the same streak in the upcoming fixture.
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Dominguez; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Silva; Wood
Ipswich Town: Muric; Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Cajuste, Morsy; Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics; Delap
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Ipswich Town
Brentford vs Leicester City (8:30 pm IST)
Time to face the Foxes 👊#BRELEI pic.twitter.com/JB5mGnu27K
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) November 30, 2024
Brentford will host Leicester City at the Gtech Community Stadium this Saturday as they aim to continue their impressive home form in the Premier League. The Bees are unbeaten in their last six home games, picking up 16 points out of a possible 18, and will look to secure their fourth consecutive home win for the first time in the Premier League. Despite their strong start to the season, a goalless draw at Everton last weekend slowed their momentum, but Thomas Frank’s side remains firmly mid-table, sitting 11th with five wins and 17 points from 12 matches.
Leicester City, on the other hand, are under pressure after a challenging start to the campaign. The Foxes sit 16th with just 10 points from 12 games and recently parted ways with manager Steve Cooper following their 2-1 loss to Chelsea. Incoming boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will officially take charge after this game, leaving first-team coach Ben Dawson to guide Leicester against a Brentford side they have not lost to in their last eight league meetings. With Brentford’s home dominance and Leicester’s struggles on the road this clash promises an intriguing battle of form and resilience.
Brentford: Flekken; Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Wissa, Damsgaard
Leicester City: Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Skipp, Ndidi, Soumare; Buonanotte, Vardy, Mavididi
Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Leicester City
West Ham vs Arsenal (11 pm IST)
⚫️ 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 🔴
🆚 West Ham United
🕔 5.30pm (UK)
🏆 Premier League
🏟️ London Stadium pic.twitter.com/nquHrK3Ku4
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 30, 2024
Arsenal will travel to the London Stadium for this week’s showdown against local rivals West Ham United. Mikel Arteta’s men are riding high after a resounding 5-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League midweek which also followed a dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in their last league outing. The Gunners are currently sitting fifth in the league standings and are closing in on third-placed Manchester City and will aim for their first away league win since September.
On the other hand, West Ham pulled off a surprise 2-0 win against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Monday, ending a long drought of away victories. Julen Lopetegui’s side currently sits 14th in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone, and have been strong at home recently collecting seven points from their last three games at the London Stadium.
With Arsenal looking to continue their climb and Hammers will be seeking consistency making the London derby an intriguing contest.
West Ham: Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Soler, Summerville; Antonio
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Prediction: West Ham 1-3 Arsenal
Check out the detailed preview and predicted lineups of Premier League Matchday 13 Saturday fixtures where top teams prepare for intense battles. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
