Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th January 2026
After an unusual GW19 that produced seven draws, including three goalless matches, attention now turns to Matchweek 20, played early in the New Year following a short turnaround from the end-of-December fixtures. Historically, this point in the season tends to generate slightly higher goal totals, and with no clubs distracted by cup commitments, squad depth and attacking regression are expected to play an important role.
For GW20, recent form, home and away performance, and expected goals (xG) from GW19 have all been factored in. Teams that significantly underperformed their xG last time out are given a higher chance of scoring in this round, while those that conceded fewer goals than expected may be due some defensive regression. FISO Goals is the EPL Predictions game for FISO Forum Members. Why not give it a shot?
⚽ Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Prediction: Aston Villa 2–1 Nottingham Forest
Villa remain strong at home and continue to score regularly. Forest are capable of causing problems on the counter, but Villa’s attacking consistency should be enough for a narrow win.
⚽ Brighton & Hove Albion vs Burnley
Prediction: Brighton 2–0 Burnley
Burnley’s struggles in front of goal continue, while Brighton generally perform better at home. Burnley are likely to sit deep, but Brighton should find a way through.
⚽ Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United
Prediction: Wolves 1–1 West Ham
Both sides are inconsistent and lack cutting edge. This feels like a low-margin fixture where neither team does quite enough to take all three points.
⚽ Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Prediction: Bournemouth 1–3 Arsenal
Arsenal’s attacking numbers remain strong, and their squad depth should help on the short turnaround. Bournemouth can score at home, but Arsenal look capable of pulling clear.
⚽ Leeds United vs Manchester United
Prediction: Leeds 1–2 Man United
Leeds’ open style continues to create chances at both ends. United are not dominant, but should have enough to edge a close away win.
⚽ Everton vs Brentford
Prediction: Everton 1–2 Brentford
Everton were fortunate defensively in GW19 based on xG and may concede more this time. Brentford are competitive away and could exploit that regression.
⚽ Fulham vs Liverpool
Prediction: Fulham 1–3 Liverpool
Liverpool failed to score despite strong xG in GW19 and should benefit from attacking regression. Against a Fulham side that concedes chances, multiple goals look likely.
⚽ Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace
Prediction: Newcastle 2–1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle’s home form gives them the edge, while Palace are capable but inconsistent away. A close game, but Newcastle are favoured.
⚽ Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland
Prediction: Tottenham 2–0 Sunderland
Spurs tend to perform better than their league position suggests, especially against lower-scoring sides. Sunderland may struggle to break them down.
⚽ Manchester City vs Chelsea
Prediction: Man City 3–1 Chelsea
City underperformed in front of goal in GW19 and should bounce back strongly. Chelsea can threaten, but City’s depth and chance creation point to a comfortable home win.
📊 GW20 Predictions Table
| Fixture | Score Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest | 2–1 | Medium |
| Brighton vs Burnley | 2–0 | Medium–High |
| Wolves vs West Ham | 1–1 | Low |
| Bournemouth vs Arsenal | 1–3 | High |
| Leeds vs Man United | 1–2 | Medium |
| Everton vs Brentford | 1–2 | Medium |
| Fulham vs Liverpool | 1–3 | High |
| Newcastle vs Crystal Palace | 2–1 | Medium |
| Tottenham vs Sunderland | 2–0 | Medium–High |
| Man City vs Chelsea | 3–1 | High |