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  31 August 2025 Liverpool completed one of the biggest transfers in British football history by signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a record £125 million. Following summer arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Giorgi Mamardashvili and other reinforcements, Isak represents another statement from the defending champions. More than just goals Isak scored 52 goals for Newcastle in all competitions over the past two seasons, including 44 in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland (49) and Mohamed Salah (47) scored more in the last two seasons, with the Swede playing six games fewer than his new teammate. What makes Isak exceptional isn't just productivity, but versatility. In December 2024, he not only led the Premier League in goals scored (8) but also created the most chances from open play (19). His 1.33 chances created per 90 minutes last season represents his career high. Perfect profile of modern striker The 26-year-old Swedish international averaged 36.8 touches per 90 ...

31 August 2025, Elland Road Newcastle United arrive in Leeds as favorites according to the Opta supercomputer with a 44.7% chance of victory. Both teams face significant personnel problems ahead of Saturday's encounter. Newcastle seeking stability Eddie Howe's team started the season with a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa and a dramatic 3-2 defeat at Liverpool. The Magpies have lost three of their last four league matches, which is more than in the previous 11 fixtures combined. The positive is a series of eight consecutive wins against promoted teams, scoring at least three goals in seven of them. Harvey Barnes will want to continue his impressive record against Leeds - he has scored five goals in six league matches against this opponent. Leeds after a difficult week Daniel Farke's team began with a 1-0 win over Everton but followed with a 0-5 thrashing by Arsenal and penalty elimination by Sheffield Wednesday's reserves in the League Cup. Nevertheless, Leeds rema...

30 August 2025, Old Trafford After the shocking defeat to Grimsby Town in the League Cup, Ruben Amorim will desperately seek his first win of the season when Manchester United host Burnley at Old Trafford. The Opta supercomputer gives the home side a 67.9% chance of victory. Manchester United's crisis The Portuguese manager has endured one of the worst results of his career - elimination by fourth-tier Grimsby Town on penalties after a 2-2 draw. This debacle means Amorim has won only 35.6% of his 45 competitive matches in charge of United - the lowest success rate of any manager since Alex Ferguson's departure. In the Premier League, United lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the opening round and drew 1-1 with Fulham, with Bruno Fernandes missing a penalty. Since the start of April, United have earned the fewest points of all ever-present top-flight teams - just six points (1 win, 3 draws, 7 losses). Home troubles Particularly concerning is United's form at Old Trafford, where t...

  The ability to score consistently ranks among the most valuable attributes of any football team. Throughout Premier League history, several clubs have managed to create impressive runs of consecutive matches with at least one goal scored. Arsenal 2001-2002: Untouchable record of 55 games The record for the longest streak of consecutive Premier League matches with a goal belongs to Arsenal by a considerable margin. While the Invincibles of 2003-04 are more celebrated, Arsène Wenger's 2001-02 title winners achieved something that remains unmatched - they scored in every single one of their 38 league matches. The streak began after disappointment from a goalless draw against Newcastle. Ashley Cole started the scoring run with a goal in a 3-2 defeat at Southampton. After winning the title with 100% scoring success in 2001-02, the streak finally ended on 7 December 2002 with a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford, where Thierry Henry came close to extending the run. Tottenham 2023-2024: M...

  24 August 2025, Emirates Stadium Mikel Arteta hopes for a second Premier League victory in Saturday's clash against Leeds United. The Opta supercomputer gives Arsenal a dominant 70.4% chance of victory. Arsenal close to historic record The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 42 Premier League home games against promoted sides (37 wins, 5 draws). Their last such defeat came in November 2010 against Newcastle United. If Arsenal manage to avoid a surprise defeat, they will equal the competition record for the longest run without losing at home against promoted teams - 43 matches, held by Chelsea between 2001-2015. Arteta dominates against Leeds The Arsenal manager has faced Leeds more often without losing than any other team as Gunners boss in all competitions (8 games, 7 wins, 1 draw), winning all five encounters at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal enter their first home game of the 2025-26 season after a narrow 1-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United thanks to Riccar...

  24 August 2025, Etihad Stadium Both teams started the new Premier League season with victories and now face off at the Etihad Stadium. The Opta supercomputer gives Manchester City a 61.7% chance of victory in Saturday's clash. City in impressive form Pep Guardiola's team leads the table after the first round thanks to a convincing 4-0 win at Wolverhampton. Since the start of April, City have collected more points than any other team (26) and remain unbeaten in this period (8 wins, 2 draws). Their defensive work is particularly impressive - they have the most clean sheets (7) and face the fewest shots per game of all teams in the division (7.6) since April. Erling Haaland scored twice against Wolves and is approaching a historic milestone - he could become only the second player in Premier League history to score 50 home goals in fewer than 50 appearances (currently 48 goals in 48 games). Tottenham as problematic opponent Despite City's dominance, Guardiola will be...

17 August 2025 Manchester United can rely on the shooting power of new signing Matheus Cunha, who dominated Premier League offensive statistics last season. Only two players with a minimum of 900 minutes played achieved a higher average of shots per 90 minutes than the Brazilian striker (3.8). Cunha also ranked fifth in shots on target (1.5 per 90 minutes), making him a dangerous weapon for the Red Devils' attacking phase. Arsenal will depend on Myles Lewis-Skelly's ability to win fouls, which could be crucial for gaining advantageous positions. The English midfielder achieved the third-highest average of fouls won per 90 minutes in the league (3.1) among players with a minimum of 900 minutes. He proved his consistency by winning at least two fouls in each of his last seven starts in the competition. Arsenal's creative force will rely on Bukayo Saka, who led the entire Premier League in average chances created per 90 minutes (3.0) among players with a minimum of 900 min...

17 August 2025 Disciplinary issues could affect Nottingham Forest's performance through Elliot Anderson, who has received four yellow cards in his last five league matches. However, the English midfielder remains an important part of the team thanks to his average of three tackles and 1.9 fouls won per 90 minutes, demonstrating his fighting spirit and ability to disrupt opposition play. Between the posts, Forest will rely on Matz Sels, who dominated Premier League defensive statistics. The Belgian goalkeeper not only recorded the joint-most clean sheets among all league goalkeepers (13), but also averaged 3.2 saves per 90 minutes. He proved his consistency by making at least three saves in six of his last nine league appearances. Brentford will depend on the creativity of Mikkel Damsgaard, who was among the most productive assist providers in the Premier League last season. Only three players recorded more assists than the Danish midfielder (10), while his 63 chances created wa...

17 August 2025 Chelsea enters the new season with Moisés Caicedo as one of the most active defensive players in the Premier League. The Ecuadorian midfielder was among five players last season who attempted more than 100 tackles (114 – average 3.1 per 90 minutes). However, his aggressive style of play was also reflected in discipline, as he conceded the joint-third most fouls in the division (70 – average 1.9 per 90 minutes). Cole Palmer confirmed his versatility as one of only four Premier League players with a minimum of 900 minutes played who achieved an average of at least 2.5 shots per 90 minutes (3.6) and simultaneously at least 2.5 chances created per 90 minutes (2.5). The English midfielder averaged 0.65 goal involvements per match, making him a key figure in the Blues' attacking phase. Crystal Palace will rely on Daniel Muñoz, who became the second most active tackling player in the league with 123 challenges, surpassed only by Idrissa Gueye (133). However, the Colombi...

16 August 2025 Wolverhampton will rely on the defensive strength of João Gomes, who was among the most active tackling players in the Premier League last season. The Brazilian midfielder was one of only nine players to achieve an average of at least 3.5 tackles per 90 minutes (minimum 900 minutes played). He confirmed his reliability by making at least three tackles in five of his last six starts. Manchester City arrive with Erling Haaland, who has an excellent record against Wolves. The Norwegian striker has scored eight Premier League goals against Wolverhampton - he only has more against West Ham United (9). Haaland demonstrated his shooting activity against this opponent by attempting 2+ shots in three of his five matches against them. The most interesting addition for the Citizens is Rayan Cherki, who dominated France's Ligue 1 in creative statistics. No player with a minimum of 900 minutes played achieved a higher average of chances created per 90 minutes (3.3) or assists...

16 August 2025 Brennan Johnson enters the new season as Tottenham's biggest scoring threat after becoming the team's top league scorer last season with 11 goals. The Welsh forward also has an excellent record against newcomers - he scored four goals in his last two league matches against newly promoted teams, making him a key player for today's encounter. Tottenham's new signing Mohammed Kudus brings another dimension to the team. The Ghanaian midfielder averaged 2.2 fouls won per 90 minutes in last season's Premier League and demonstrated consistency by winning at least two fouls in seven of his last nine league starts. His ability to disrupt opposition play could be crucial in difficult moments of the match. Burnley will rely on the offensive strength of Zian Flemming, who dominated the EFL Championship with an average of 2.9 shots per 90 minutes. However, the Dutch midfielder must be careful with discipline - he averaged 2.1 fouls conceded per match. Interest...

16 August 2025 Sunderland can rely on the exceptional performance of defender Trai Hume, who dominated the EFL Championship last season. Only two players made more tackles than the Northern Irish full-back with his 119 challenges (average 2.8 per 90 minutes). However, Hume is not just a defensive specialist - from his right-back position he managed to create an impressive 57 chances, making him a complete modern defender. West Ham will depend on Jarrod Bowen's scoring form, who finished last season's Premier League in excellent mood with four goals in his final four matches. The English forward also has an outstanding record against newcomers - in the 2024-25 season he was involved in six goals in six games against newly promoted teams (4 goals, 2 assists). Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá represents another weapon for the Hammers thanks to his ability to win fouls. In last season's Premier League he averaged 2.3 fouls won per 90 minutes and in each of his last nine l...

16 August 2025 Brighton's defensive midfield duo are set to play crucial roles in the season opener. Yankuba Minteh demonstrated consistent tackling ability last season, averaging 2.4 tackles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. The young midfielder maintained this defensive work rate by recording two tackles in four of his last six starts, showcasing his reliability in breaking up opposition attacks. Carlos Baleba has proven even more active in the tackle count, attempting 2+ tackles in seven of his last eight Premier League appearances for Brighton. The midfielder appears particularly motivated against Fulham, having made at least three tackles in three of his four league encounters with the Cottagers, suggesting he relishes the physical battle against this opposition. Between the posts for Fulham, Bernd Leno enters the new campaign fresh from a busy end to last season. The German goalkeeper averaged 2.9 saves per 90 minutes in the Premier League and demonstrated his shot-st...

16 August 2025 Morgan Rogers ended last season's Premier League campaign in exceptional form, contributing to seven goals in his final nine matches (1 goal, 6 assists). The Aston Villa midfielder also demonstrated his defensive capabilities, recording 2+ tackles in three of his previous five appearances, showcasing his all-around contribution to the team. Discipline could be a factor for Villa's Boubacar Kamara, who has conceded exactly two fouls in five of his last six Premier League outings, including in the previous encounter against Newcastle United in April. This consistency in fouling patterns suggests an area of concern for the French midfielder. Newcastle United boast two of the Premier League's most fouled players from last season. Bruno Guimarães topped the charts with 108 fouls won, while Anthony Gordon claimed third place with 71. The Brazilian midfielder proved particularly effective at drawing fouls, winning and earning at least two fouls each in 15 differ...

15 August 2025 Mohamed Salah enters the new season with impressive numbers against Bournemouth - only against Manchester United (13) and Tottenham Hotspur (12) has he scored more Premier League goals than against today's opponent (11). The Egyptian striker also holds the record for most goals scored in opening rounds of the Premier League. On the visitors' side, Florian Wirtz stands out, having recorded 12 assists in last season's Bundesliga - the second-highest tally after Michael Olise. The German midfielder creates an average of 2.2 chances per match. Antoine Semenyo represents Bournemouth's offensive threat with an average of 3.5 shots per game last season. In his last three league encounters with Liverpool, he has registered at least three attempts on goal in each match. Thanks to Stats Perform for the data More information: 24live.com

  The Community Shield is the traditional curtain-raiser to England's top-flight football season, but is it a good indicator of who will eventually win the Premier League title? This Year's Edition The 2025 FA Community Shield takes place this weekend (Sunday, August 10) between defending champions Liverpool and FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium. Considered the traditional season opener, the tournament was first played in 1908, with this year's edition being the 103rd in the competition's history. Success Statistics Out of 33 Community Shield matches in the Premier League era (since 1992-93), only eight teams managed to win both the Community Shield and subsequently the Premier League in the same season - that's less than a quarter (24%). None of the last five Community Shield winners have gone on to win the Premier League in the same season. Only one of the last 14 winners achieved this feat - Manchester City in the 2018-19 season. The Pa...

  Enzo Maresca faces a familiar challenge at Stamford Bridge - managing a bloated squad that contains more talent than playing time. Following another busy summer transfer window, Chelsea's inability to comply with UEFA financial regulations has created both necessity and opportunity. While the Blues must sell to fund further acquisitions, several quality players could find renewed success elsewhere in the Premier League. The Financial Imperative Behind Sales Chelsea's summer spending spree has reached familiar heights under Todd Boehly's ownership. Seven new players have arrived at Stamford Bridge since the 2024-25 Premier League season concluded, with indications that Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato remain high on the club's agenda alongside another wide attacker. The financial reality, however, demands departures. UEFA's sanctions for financial regulation violations have resulted in fines potentially reaching £78.5 million and administrative constraints. Most si...

  For two years between 2015 and 2017, N'Golo Kanté represented one of the Premier League's most transformative players. An indispensable cog in Leicester City's remarkable 2015-16 title-winning campaign and Chelsea's triumph under Antonio Conte the following season, the diminutive Frenchman won consecutive league titles, earned PFA Team of the Year honors twice, and claimed Premier League Player of the Season for 2016-17. Yet for Fantasy Premier League managers, Kanté was essentially invisible. With just one goal and four assists across those two dominant seasons, he offered minimal fantasy value despite being arguably the league's most influential player. The 2025-26 FPL season will change that paradigm forever. Revolutionary Rule Changes Transform FPL Strategy Fantasy Premier League has introduced groundbreaking defensive contribution points that will fundamentally alter squad-building strategies. Outfield players will now earn direct rewards for their defens...