Arsenal’s defeat on Matchday 15 has brought the title race closer, with now only three points separating the top three teams in the English Premier League. Three points separate fourth from tenth place, so there’s plenty of crucial games in the race for the top five places.
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EPL 2025-26: Matchday 16 Preview & Betting Tips
Liverpool vs Brighton
Anfield, Sunday 14th December, 2:00am AEDT
Things are at a crisis point for Liverpool after their 3-3 draw with Leeds was followed by a stunning outburst by Mo Salah, who was not selected in the squad. Mo Salah is about to head to AFCON, with his future at Liverpool well and truly in the air, just one season after leading the Premier League for goals and assists, leading Liverpool to the title. Liverpool have won just two out of their last ten games in the Premier League and face a tricky challenge against eighth placed Brighton. The Seagulls will be desperate to bounce back after dropping points in their last two games against Aston Villa and West Ham.
Liverpool’s defence continues to leak goals, conceding three goals against 16th placed Leeds. Liverpool have conceded 19 of their 24 goals this season in their last ten games, a big concern coming up against one of the most dynamic attacking sides in the league. The Seagulls have scored 25 goals, the fourth most in the Premier League. Brighton are a middle of the road defence, so both sides will be under pressure in what is likely going to be a free flowing affair.
These two sides have a lot to play for as they try to stay in the mix for European football, while a loss would be a big setback. Both sides play high variance football given their quality in attack and mediocrity in defence. Brighton have played in five draws already this season, the most in the league, while Liverpool have drawn their last two games. All signs point towards a high scoring draw.
Sunderland vs Newcastle
Stadium of Light, Monday 15th December, 1:00am AEDT
It’s been nearly a decade in the making, but the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League when Sunderland host Newcastle at the Stadium of Light. The last time these rivals met in a Premier League fixture was back in 2016, in what is going to be one of the biggest games in the Premier League this season. After a poor start to the season, Newcastle are building into some form and they would love nothing more than beating their rivals to push back into the mix for a top five position. Eddie Howe’s side is 12th on the table, but are only three points behind fifth placed Chelsea.
Sunderland are in ninth place on 23 points, after winning only one of their last six games, after flirting with the top four. It’s been a remarkable effort after being promoted last season, led by a staunch defence. The Black Cats have conceded 17 goals this season, ranked sixth in the league. Sunderland will need a big performance from their defensive unit to contain an in-form Newcastle lineup.
Despite some solid signs from a statistical standpoint, the form line makes it hard to pick Sunderland. Sunderland have picked up just six points in their last six games, while Newcastle are unbeaten in their last four games, winning three of those four games. Two of those four games came against top seven sides on the table, meaning the Magpies will be well prepared to take on their rivals. Newcastle have won six of their last seven league games against Sunderland, and will win a heated game away from home.
Newcastle to Win
$2.20 (1.5 Units)
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Selhurst Park, Monday 15th December, 1:00am AEDT
The biggest match of this weekend’s slate sees Manchester City travelling to South London to take on Crystal Palace, in a clash with massive ramifications for the top four. Manchester City are now two points behind league leaders Arsenal after beating Sunderland 3-0. Matchday 15 was also a good one for Crystal Palace, who moved fourth place after beating Fulham 2-1, thanks to Marc Guehi’s 87th minute winner. Palace need to win to keep their place in the top four, with only three points separating themselves and tenth placed Liverpool.
Week after week Manchester City continue to be an attacking juggernaut, as they were through their four-peat era. Man City have scored 35 goals this season, seven more than the next best side, led by Golden Boot leader Erling Haaland who has netted 15 goals. Phil Foden also ranks in the top five goal scorers in the league with six goals. Rayan Cherki is ranked second for assists with 4, while Jeremy Doku is third with 4 assists. They’re getting high level contributions all over the pitch which is going to make them incredibly tough to stop this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won eight of their last ten games in the league, and have scored 18 goals across their last six games. To put that into context, Crystal Palace have scored 20 goals in 15 games this season. Manchester City have a strong record against Palace, holding an 8-4-1 record across their last thirteen Premier League fixtures against Crystal Palace. Palace don’t have the hardened experience in big games that Manchester City do, having been so successful in the last decade. City’s attacking game will remain red hot, and they’ll keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
Manchester City to Win
$1.85 (2 Units)
