The final Premier League gameweek of 2024 promises a thrilling conclusion to the year, with plenty of drama, twists, and some crucial matches that could shape the season’s title race. Whether you’re catching up with family or friends over the festive period or sneaking in some football action, there’s no shortage of entertainment this weekend. As we head into the final games of the year, the Premier League table remains incredibly tight, making Gameweek 19 a must-watch for fans across the globe.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the upcoming fixtures, including key matchups, team form, and predictions for each game. From Manchester City‘s desperate hunt for form to Liverpool’s continued dominance, every match this week promises something to look forward to.
Sunday 29 December: A Saturday-Like Sunday
The action kicks off on Sunday, 29 December, and it’s going to feel like the busiest Saturday ever with six Premier League fixtures, two of which are televised, and the rest happening at the traditional 3pm blackout time. For fans, it will be a football-packed Sunday, and here’s how it’s expected to unfold:
Leicester vs Manchester City (14:30 GMT)
Manchester City has been in a slump, winning just one out of their last fourteen matches. As one of the most dominant teams in Premier League history, their recent dip in form is nothing short of astonishing. Now sitting in seventh place, they face Leicester City, who have also struggled with form, losing their last three games under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Prediction: Leicester 1-3 Man City
City, despite their woes, have enough quality to come through against Leicester. Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity could be pivotal, and with Erling Haaland finding his groove again, the Citizens should secure all three points in what could be a high-scoring affair.
Crystal Palace vs Southampton (15:00 GMT)
Southampton’s situation has been increasingly dire as they battle against relegation. While there were promising signs on Ivan Juric’s managerial debut, a narrow loss to West Ham on Boxing Day didn’t inspire much confidence. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, have steadied the ship after a tough start and will be looking to extend their good form.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Southampton
Palace has been more consistent, and with the Saints struggling to find a way out of the relegation zone, a narrow win for the home side seems likely.
Everton vs Nottingham Forest (15:00 GMT)
Everton’s dogged defensive displays have been a feature of their season under Sean Dyche. They’ve managed to frustrate teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, earning valuable draws. Nottingham Forest will be hoping to build on their positive results, but Dyche’s side has proven tough to break down.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Nottingham Forest
A tight contest is expected here, with both teams likely to cancel each other out. A draw is a fair result in what should be a tense encounter.
Fulham vs Bournemouth (15:00 GMT)
Fulham and Bournemouth have both had inconsistent starts to the season, but Fulham have been the more solid side overall. Bournemouth, while capable of surprises, has struggled defensively, making this an opportunity for Fulham to pick up three important points.
Prediction: Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth
Given both teams’ recent form, a high-scoring draw seems likely, with both teams finding the back of the net.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (15:00 GMT)
Tottenham has been in freefall, losing their last two matches and dropping to 11th in the Premier League table. Ange Postecoglou’s side needs a turnaround fast, or the fans will start to turn. Wolverhampton Wanderers, buoyed by their recent good form under Vitor Pereira, will be hoping to add to Spurs’ misery.
Prediction: Tottenham 3-2 Wolves
Despite their recent struggles, Tottenham should have enough attacking quality to outscore Wolves in a thrilling encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
West Ham United vs Liverpool (17:15 GMT)
Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League and on course for a 93-point season if they maintain their form. Their attacking fluidity, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, has been lethal. West Ham, under Julen Lopetegui, have shown signs of improvement but have been inconsistent.
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Liverpool
Liverpool should continue their push for the title with a narrow win in east London, though West Ham will make it a difficult contest for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Monday 30 December: Evening Drama
While we’ll have to wait until Monday for the next batch of Premier League action, the three fixtures scheduled for the evening are sure to keep us on the edge of our seats.
Ipswich Town vs Chelsea (19:45 GMT)
Chelsea’s festive blip saw them lose to Fulham, their first defeat to the Cottagers in 45 years at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca’s team, however, remains ahead of schedule, and a trip to Ipswich provides an ideal opportunity to return to winning ways.
Prediction: Ipswich 1-2 Chelsea
Ipswich have struggled in the league, and Chelsea should have enough firepower to get back to winning ways here, although Ipswich may make it a tough contest.
Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion (19:45 GMT)
Aston Villa were battered by Newcastle on Boxing Day, and they will need to recover quickly. Brighton has also faltered of late, failing to win in their last six matches, which puts them in a vulnerable position ahead of this clash.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Brighton
Brighton will be looking to bounce back from their poor run and should edge Villa in what promises to be a tight encounter.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United (20:00 GMT)
Manchester United has been in turmoil, losing their last three matches after a promising start. The Red Devils will have to address their issues quickly, but it won’t be easy against a Newcastle side that has surged into fifth place with impressive form.
Prediction: Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle
A stalemate seems likely here, as both teams are struggling to find consistent form. United will be desperate for a win, but Newcastle’s defensive solidity should keep them at bay.
Wednesday 1 January: The New Year Kickoff
We start 2025 with a cracking match between Brentford and Arsenal. It’s a fixture that has significant implications for both teams, especially Arsenal, who are without star winger Bukayo Saka for the long term after his hamstring surgery.
Brentford vs Arsenal (17:30 GMT)
Brentford’s form has dipped over the festive period, and they were recently beaten by Nottingham Forest at home. Arsenal, however, continues to be a title contender but has struggled with turning draws into wins. With Saka out, their attacking potency might be reduced, but they still have enough quality to secure points.
Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Arsenal
This could be a difficult match for Arsenal, especially with injuries mounting. Brentford’s home form has been strong, and they’ll be aiming to get a result against an Arsenal side that might struggle without their star player.
Full Match Predictions for Gameweek 19:
| Kick-off Time (GMT) | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Leicester vs Man City | 1-3 |
| 15:00 | Crystal Palace vs Southampton | 1-0 |
| 15:00 | Everton vs Nottingham Forest | 1-1 |
| 15:00 | Fulham vs Bournemouth | 2-2 |
| 15:00 | Tottenham vs Wolves | 3-2 |
| 17:15 | West Ham vs Liverpool | 1-2 |
| 19:45 | Ipswich vs Chelsea | 1-2 |
| 19:45 | Aston Villa vs Brighton | 1-2 |
| 20:00 | Man Utd vs Newcastle | 0-0 |
| 17:30 (1 Jan) | Brentford vs Arsenal | 1-1 |
As we head into the final Premier League gameweek of 2024, it’s clear that there is plenty of drama still to come. Whether it’s Manchester City’s fight to stay in the title race, Liverpool’s continued dominance, or Arsenal’s quest for consistency, Gameweek 19 will set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling start to 2025. With crucial matches up and down the table, there’s no better time to tune in and see how the season unfolds.
