Premier League Preview: Matchday 12 sees Spurs travel to the Etihad and the start of the Ruben Amorim Era at Manchester United

Navin Doodnath & Sujesh Rambajue

Nov 21, 2024, 04:00 PM ET

With the last international break of 2024 now behind us, matchday 12 in the English Premier League gives us a lot of exciting and intriguing matchups. Arsenal look to get their title challenge back on track, City will try to snap their 4-game losing streak and the Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United begins as they travel to an Ipswich side full of confidence after beating Spurs last match week.

Leicester City Vs. Chelsea FC (Saturday, November 23rd @King Power Stadium)

The international break has come to an end and the Premier League kicks off Match Week 12 in Leicester as the Foxes host Chelsea FC. Leicester will look to get back in winning ways having dropped points in their last 3 matches. They currently sit 15th and only 2 points above the relegation zone. Adding to their woes, winger Abdul Fatawu suffered an ACL injury that will see him miss the rest of the season.

Enzo Maresca returns to the King Power Stadium, a place he knows well having helped Leicester City lift the Championship trophy last season and gain promotion to the Premier League. He leads a Chelsea team that currently sit 3rd in the Premier League. The Blues look to get back to winning ways having drawn their last two Premier League matches against Arsenal and Manchester United. The Blues will be dealing with some crucial injuries, as Maresca confirmed that they will be without their captain, Reece James.

Both sides are dealing with crucial injuries however a win for the Blues will see them continue that top 4 push, while the Foxes will open the gap from the relegation zone. Kickoff is at 7:30am EST.

Prediction: 3-1 Chelsea

Arsenal FC Vs. Nottingham Forrest (Saturday, November 23rd @Emirates Stadium)

Arsenal welcomes a high-flying Nottingham Forrest side to the Emirates on Saturday in which should be an exciting clash. Both on 19 points, they sit 4th and 5th in the Premier League table respectively.

Arsenal is looking to get back to winning ways having not won in the Premier League since October 5th. Losses to Bournemouth and Newcastle has caused some doubt around Arteta’s job as Manager. Injuries have derailed their season, but they hope to get some good fortune with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka hopefully returning from injury. Arsenal will view this match as a must win if they want to contend for the title as they sit 11 points off the Premier League leaders, Liverpool.

Nottingham Forest come into this game ready for war as they look to continue their excellent run to start the season. The appointment of Nuno Espírito Santos has been a revelation as he has taken a side that finished 17th last season into 5th place this season, tied on points with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton. Striker, Chris Wood has been in excellent form this season, scoring 8 goals so far. A win in North London would help continue the dream of European return for Forrest. Kickoff is at 10am EST.

Prediction: 2-1 Forrest         

Aston Villa Vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday November 23rd @Villa Park)

Crystal Palace travel to Villa Park. The Eagles have endured a dreadful start to the league season which see them in 18th place after 11 games with only one league win.

Aston Villa have had a great start to the season however, they have had a turbulent few matchdays in the league having lost their last 2 games in the league and picking up 1 point from a possible 9 and losing 4 in a row in all competitions including a 2-1 defeat in the EFL League Cup to this weekend’s opponents.

Both sides will look to kickstart the festive period of the season with wins as a victory for Villa would lift them back into the top 4 and a victory for Palace would see them climb out of the relegation zone. Kickoff is 10am EST.

Prediction: 2-0 Aston Villa

Fulham FC Vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (Saturday November 23rd @Craven Cottage)

Match week 11 saw Wolverhampton pick up their first win of the season at home against Southampton FC prior to the international break and after a terrible start to the season they are hoping to push on with another positive result this weekend. Although they find themselves in 19th position, 7 of their 11 games have come against the top 10 from the previous campaign. Including 2 narrow defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City. Wolves come into the weekend full of confidence while being undefeated in their last 3 games, picking up 5 points from a possible 9. 

Boosted by the return of form to Mexican striker Raul Jimenez and club record signing Emile Smith Rowe Fulham have become one of the most surprising teams in the early stages of the season. They find themselves in 7th place just 1 point back of 3rd place in the table. The cottagers have been solid at home so far this season with 3 wins, 1 tie and a defeat. Fulham find themselves on a 2-game winning streak including a memorable comeback victory against Brentford with two stoppage time goals from Harry Wilson in their last home game. With a tough run of fixtures ahead including Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea; Fulham will be looking to pick up all 3 points this weekend. Kickoff is 10am EST.

Prediction: 2-1 Fulham

Everton FC Vs. Brentford FC (Saturday November 23rd @Goodison Park)

Brentford travel to Goodison Park on Saturday looking to change their inconsistent start to the season by picking up all three points. The Bees have had an awkward start to the season which sees them with a record of five wins, five losses and one draw. In that eleven-game span they scored and conceded twenty-two goals. They have been able to start games very brightly, famously scoring within the first minute of three consecutive league games. In their previous game they came out on top in an exciting 3-2 game against Bournemouth and will be looking to find some consistent results with another three points at Goodison.

After a very poor start to the season losing their first four games of the season, Everton are starting to find their way in this campaign, losing only one of their last seven games. Albeit against a very poor and relegation battlers Southampton. With the most difficult holiday schedule amongst all clubs, the Toffees will be desperate to pick up points this weekend to stay out of the relegation zone as a win could keep them six points above 18th position. Kickoff is 10am EST.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

AFC Bournemouth Vs. Brighton and Hove Albion (Saturday November 23rd @Vitality Stadium)

Bournemouth host Brighton Vitality Stadium on Saturday in potentially a very exciting matchup between two sides who are playing great football.

Brighton and Hove Albion come into this game full of confidence after a very impressive second half display against Manchester City which saw them come back from one goal down to win 2-1. They have had notable results this season with wins over Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester City as well as a tie away to Arsenal. This will be a tough game away at Bournemouth, but it should make for a great spectacle.

AFC Bournemouth have continued from last season playing some great football under Head Coach Andoni Iraola. They have had to adjust after losing their top goal scorer in Dominic Solanke but with Evanilson now settling into the league, they have picked up some big points. The Cherries have picked up seven points from a possible twelve including wins against Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as a draw away to Aston Villa. They did lose their last game 3-2 away to Brentford so Iraola’s side will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance against the seagulls. Kickoff is 10am EST.

Prediction: 2-2 Draw

Timo Werner (center) celebrates scoring with Dominic Solanke in 2-1EFL Cup victory

Manchester City Vs. Tottenham (Saturday, November 23rd @Etihad Stadium)

The team from North London travel to Manchester to take on Pep Guardiola’s dangerous City team. This match has the potential to be the match of the week.

Manchester City will look to win this match after losing 4 matches in a row in all competitions, the first time in Pep’s time at City. Along with the poor performances, City are dealing with key injuries to their top stars like Kevin De Bruyne and recent Ballon D’Or winner, Rodri. Manchester City currently sit 5 points back of Liverpool at the top of the table. They will depend on the play of Erling Haaland to score and help City collect the three points. Good news for City fans as Pep signed a contract extension over the international break, which should help rejuvenate the squad and fans.  Manchester City will look to reassert themselves in the title race.

Tottenham look to get back to winning ways after suffering a 2-1 loss to Ipswich before the international break. This season Spurs have been erratic. They haven’t been able to replicate the start which they had last season as they sat 2nd in the Premier League. This season Spurs currently sit 10th, 3 points back of a top 4 spot. Spurs will feel confident heading into this match as they beat City 2-1 in the EFL Cup this season already. This coupled with the fact that they have picked up 17 points in the last 10 matches against City in the Premier League.

This match will be crucial for both sides. Will we see City start their title surge with picking up 3 points at home, or will Spurs start to solidify themselves for a top 4 spot. Kickoff is at 12:30pm EST

Prediction: 2-2 Draw

Southampton FC Vs. Liverpool FC (Sunday, November 24th @St. Mary’s Stadium)

Southampton welcomes Liverpool to St. Mary’s Stadium. This unique matchup sees the top of the table vs the bottom of the table. Southampton will look to pick up a point against Liverpool as they have had a shocking start to the season, 1 win in 11 Premier League matches. They currently are 4 points out of the relegation zone, but the lack of goals will make this fixture a tough one.

On the other side, life under Arne Slot has been spectacular. Their defense has been amazing, allowing only 6 goals in 11 matches. Mohammad Salah continues to shine for Liverpool as he has 8 goals and 6 assists on the season. Liverpool currently sits 5 points clear of City. They are also unbeaten on the road this season in the Premier League. Liverpool will be excited to go to St Mary’s Park for this match against Southampton. Kickoff is at 9am EST.

Prediction: 4-0 Liverpool

Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford

Ipswich Town FC Vs. Manchester United FC (Sunday November 24th @Portman Road)

Manchester United visit Portman Road as the Ruben Amorim era begins. It is difficult to know how this Manchester United side will perform as we are yet to see them under the new head coach. The Red Devils come into the game in good form after Ruud Van Nistelrooy took over on an interim basis, going unbeaten in all four games under the United legend. United managed seven wins and a draw in the eight league matches against newly promoted teams since the start of last season. For a Manchester United centric preview of the match CLICK HERE.

Ipswich Town FC have found life in the Premier League difficult only just picking up their first win of the season in match week 11, albeit a very impressive 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ipswich find themselves one point and spot above the relegation zone, with no more international breaks until March and a busy holiday schedule ahead they will be looking to pick up where they left off against Spurs and start adding more points to their name. Ipswich Town come into this game with four points out of a possible six and high on confidence. Kickoff is 11:30am EST

Prediction: 3-1 Manchester United

Harvey Barnes (right) celebrates scoring with Bruno Guimarães. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Action Images/Reuters

Newcastle United Vs. West Ham United (Monday, November 25th @St. James’ Park)

The Irons make a trip to St. James’ Park on Monday looking to change the bad fortune they have had to start the season. Despite all the new signings. Lopetegui’s men sit 14th in the Premier League. Coming off a 0-0 draw with Everton, they will look to pick up all three points when they head to Newcastle.  

The Magpies have gotten off to a great start to the start the season. They currently sit 8th with 18 points, 1 point off the top 4. Eddie Howe’s side has picked up 6 points from their last two matches against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. They look to carry over that same energy against the Irons on Monday. A win could see Newcastle move up into the top 4.

Both sides will look to pick up 3 points after the international break and help their season go in the right direction. Kickoff is at 3pm EST.

Prediction: 2-1 Newcastle