PREMIER LEAGUE SUPER SATURDAY: INTRIGUING FIXTURES SET TO LIGHT UP 2025

Written by: Floyd Nkanyane

As the Premier League kicked off the new year with Arsenal claiming victory against Brentford on New Year’s day, an action-packed schedule with four compelling matches promise to deliver exciting drama across England’s top flight this weekend. Here’s a comprehensive FLO Report of today’s fixtures.

Tottenham vs Newcastle (14:30)*

One of the Premier League’s most entertaining fixtures takes center stage as Tottenham hosts Newcastle in what historically has been a goal-fest. This fixture holds the distinction of being the most played Premier League match never to end in a goalless draw, with an impressive 189 goals across 59 meetings – the third-highest scoring fixture in Premier League history.

The Toon Army enter the match with recent dominance over Spurs, having won four of their last five Premier League encounters. The Magpies are on the verge of achieving a notable feat – they could secure a league double over Tottenham for the second time in three seasons, having previously managed this just once in 12 campaigns between 2008-09 and 2021-22.

Newcastle United win 3-2

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea (17:00)*

The London derby at Selhurst Park sees a resurgent Crystal Palace hosting Chelsea. Despite their historical struggles against the Blues, Palace comes into this fixture in improved form, having lost just two of their last 11 Premier League games after a difficult start to the season that saw them lose five of their first eight.

Chelsea’s track record at Selhurst Park is remarkable, winning 12 of their 15 Premier League away games against Palace – maintaining the joint-highest away win rate (80%) against any opponent in the competition. However, Palace managed to break a 13-game losing streak against Chelsea with a 1-1 draw earlier this season.

Chelsea victory by 3 goals

Manchester City vs West Ham (17:00)*

The champions welcome West Ham to the Etihad Stadium with history firmly on their side. City have been imperious in their home fixtures against the Hammers, winning 14 of their last 15 Premier League encounters. West Ham’s drought against City extends to 18 games without a win, matching their longest winless run against any opponent in their league history.

City’s record is particularly impressive, having won their first league game in 12 consecutive calendar years. West Ham, however, brings their own positive start-of-year form, remaining unbeaten in their opening league games over the last seven calendar years.

Man City to salvage a point at home.1 all draw

Brighton vs Arsenal (19:30)*

The day concludes with Arsenal visiting Brighton, riding high after an exceptional 2024 that saw them accumulate 85 points – the highest in the Premier League. The Gunners’ impressive year included 26 wins, 89 goals (their highest since 1963), and 18 clean sheets.

Brighton’s home form presents an interesting contrast, with their goal-scoring output at the Amex dropping significantly from 46 goals in 2023 to just 21 in 2024. However, the Seagulls maintain an impressive record in their first league games of the calendar year, going unbeaten in their last eight.

Arsenal has recently turned the tide in this fixture, winning three of their last five Premier League encounters with Brighton, matching their total wins from their first ten meetings in the competition.

Arsenal to Win 3-1

This weekend’s schedule promises to deliver compelling narratives, crucial points, and potentially season-defining moments as the Premier League kicks off 2025 in style.

Matchday 20 Saturday fixtures:

Tottenham Hotspur versus Newcastle United kick off 14:30

AFC Bournemouth versus Everton kick off 17:00

Aston Villa versus Leicester City kick off 17:00

Crystal Palace versus Chelsea kick off 17:00

Manchester City versus West Ham United kick off 17:00

Southampton versus Brentford kick off 17:00

Brighton & Hove Albion versus Arsenal kick off 19:30

All Kick-off time scheduled for SAST