New Delhi: Matchday 15 of the Premier League has already provided plenty of drama, starting with the postponement of the Merseyside derby. After bouncing back with a win in their midweek fixture, Manchester City were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace. Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United suffered a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest. As the action continues today, Fulham will host Arsenal, Rudd van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City will face Brighton, and Ipswich Town will take on Bournemouth. The highlight of the day will be Chelsea’s trip to Tottenham for a thrilling London derby.
But before the action kicks in, let’s take a look at which teams hold the edge heading into today’s fixtures.
Fulham vs Arsenal (7:30 pm IST)
🟣 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 🔵
🆚 Fulham
🕑 2pm (UK)
🏆 Premier League
🏟 Craven Cottage pic.twitter.com/P5bjvQioXo
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 8, 2024
Arsenal will be aiming for a fifth straight win in all competitions when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage tonight. This marks their first meeting since New Year’s Eve 2023 when Arsenal suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss, a result that ultimately hampered their title challenge. Mikel Arteta’s side are currently in third place and have been in excellent form recently, coming off a 2-0 win over Manchester United midweek. Their dominance in set-pieces once again highlighted by Jurrien Timber’s header and William Saliba’s unorthodox finish, proved pivotal in securing the victory.
On the other hand, Fulham will be looking to extend their impressive record in London derbies, having gone unbeaten in their last eight Premier League encounters against capital clubs. The Cottagers are sitting in sixth place have found their scoring boots and netted in each of their last 15 matches in all competitions. They recently defeated Brighton 3-1 with Alex Iwobi playing a starring role. Despite their strong attacking form Marco Silva’s team has yet to secure a clean sheet at home this season which could prove costly against the high-flying Gunners.
Fulham: Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Arsenal
Leicester City vs Brighton (7:30 pm IST)
Foxes vs. Seagulls 🦊#LEIBHA pic.twitter.com/BL8hmkYrah
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 8, 2024
Leicester City will be aiming to continue their perfect record under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes are fresh off a 3-1 win over West Ham United, marking their first victory since October 19 which saw them climb to 16th in the Premier League standings. Jamie Vardy, who has been pivotal in Leicester’s revival continues to play a crucial role, contributing seven goals in 13 appearances so far this season. With only two home wins to their name this term, Leicester will be keen to secure back-to-back home victories for the first time since April.
Brighton are currently sitting in fifth place and are coming off a tough 3-1 defeat to Fulham, ending their three-match unbeaten run. Despite strong performances earlier in the season, Brighton have struggled with individual errors which have cost them valuable points. However, manager Fabian Hurzeler remains confident in his team’s attacking approach as they look to bounce back against Leicester. Brighton’s away form has been solid with only Liverpool and Chelsea having more away wins than the Seagulls this season. Despite their recent setback, Brighton will be looking to maintain their push for a Champions League spot as they sit just three points off the top four.
Leicester City: Hermansen; Justin, Coady, Vestergaard, Kristiansen; Ndidi, Soumare; McAteer, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Vardy
Brighton: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Igor, Dunk, Estupinan; O’Riley, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro
Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Brighton
Ipswich Town vs Bournemouth (7:30 pm IST)
Our first trip to Portman Road for nearly ten years 🚜🍒 pic.twitter.com/Yvu29kbVrx
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 8, 2024
Ipswich Town will host Bournemouth at Portman Road tonight, with both teams in contrasting form. Ipswich are struggling in 18th place, just three points behind safety, and are yet to win a home game this season, having been held to four draws in their seven matches at Portman Road. The Blues’ poor attacking record, which includes the fewest touches inside the opposition’s penalty area and the fewest shots on target per game, continues to hinder their progress. After a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, manager Kieran McKenna emphasized the team’s solid defensive showing but acknowledged their struggles in creating chances.
On the other hand, Bournemouth came into the match with confidence after a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur where they created seven big chances while limiting Spurs to just one. Under Andoni Iraola, the Cherries have been impressive against top teams, having beaten Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham this season. Despite their solid form, Bournemouth’s away record is concerning, with just three wins in their last 13 matches on the road. However, they will be looking to extend their strong run of results and put pressure on the teams ahead of them in the standings.
Ipswich Town: Muric; Clarke, O’Shea, Greaves, Davis; Morsy, Taylor; Burns, Hutchinson, Clarke; Delap
Bournemouth: Arrizabalaga; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-1 Bournemouth
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea (10 pm IST)
Matchday in north London — come on Chelsea! 💙#CFC | #TOTCHE pic.twitter.com/pMfDfJYTXv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 8, 2024
Tottenham Hotspur will host Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a highly anticipated London derby. Spurs come into the match after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Bournemouth, a game where they were fortunate to escape with a narrow defeat. Tottenham have been struggling for form, winning just one of their last six matches across all competitions, and are currently in 10th place, six points adrift of the top four. Their home form has been underwhelming, with no wins in their last three games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and manager Ange Postecoglou will be looking to turn things around.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been in impressive form, particularly after their 5-1 demolition of Southampton midweek. The Blues have won their last four matches in all competitions, including three consecutive away wins. With a stunning run of results, Chelsea have climbed to second place in the Premier League, just seven points behind league leaders Liverpool. Their recent success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been notable with the Blues winning five of their last seven away games against Spurs including a 4-1 victory last season. Chelsea will be looking to continue their dominance in this fixture as they challenge for the title.
Bournemouth: Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Tottenham Hotspur: Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Where to watch Premier League Matchday 15 fixtures?
As Premier League Matchday 15 gets underway, fans can enjoy all the action either on television or by streaming live. The matches will be available on the Star Sports network and those who prefer to stream can catch the games live on Disney+ Hotstar.
Check out the detailed preview and predicted lineups of Premier League Matchday 15 Sunday fixtures where top teams prepare for intense battles. Also, find out where to watch the Premier League’s matchday 15 fixtures. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
