EPL Match Week 27: 4 Fixtures Primed for Shock Results This Weekend

 

​The English Premier League enters Match Week 27 with the title race, European spots, and relegation battle all reaching a boiling point. As the 2025/2026 season enters its business end, historical patterns and recent form suggest that several heavyweights could be in for a rude awakening. From tactical shifts in the North London Derby to potential banana skins for Manchester City and Manchester United, here are the four fixtures where we could see shock results this weekend.

​1. Chelsea vs. Burnley: The Trap at Stamford Bridge

​On paper, this looks like a straightforward home win for the Blues. However, Chelsea’s recent home form has been anything but consistent. In their last outing at Stamford Bridge, they inexplicably surrendered a two-goal lead against Leeds United to finish with a 2-2 draw. This defensive fragility is exactly what a resurging Burnley side will look to exploit.

​Burnley arrives in London with massive momentum after coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-2. Historically, the Clarets have struggled in London, but with Chelsea often lacking a clinical edge under pressure, this fixture is primed for a stalemate or a narrow away win that would stun the Stamford Bridge faithful.

​2. Manchester City vs. Newcastle United: A Streak Under Threat

​The record books tell a grim story for the Magpies: 18 losses in their last 20 visits to the Etihad Stadium. Yet, records are meant to be broken. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle is currently desperate to avoid a third consecutive defeat to City across all competitions.

​Pep Guardiola’s men have been dominant, but the fatigue of a congested February schedule could play a role. If Newcastle can execute a high-press transition and frustrate City’s midfield early on, we might witness a rare upset in Manchester. With City potentially looking ahead to European commitments, any drop in intensity could allow the Magpies to snatch a historic point.

​3. Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool: The Pereira Effect

​Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Sunderland was a masterclass in grit, but their trip to the City Ground presents a different challenge entirely. Nottingham Forest has been revitalized following the appointment of Vitor Pereira. The squad showcased their new-found energy with a dominant 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League midweek.

​The "City Ground Factor" is real. The atmosphere in Nottingham is notoriously hostile for top-six sides, and with Forest battling for every point to secure their Premier League status, Liverpool cannot afford the slow start that has plagued some of their away matches this season. A "Pereira Masterclass" could see the Reds dropping points in the title race.

​4. Everton vs. Manchester United: The Monday Night Battle

​The round concludes with a high-stakes clash at Goodison Park. Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, saw their "honeymoon phase" dampened by a tactical 1-1 draw against West Ham. That match exposed a blueprint for beating United: a physical, compact setup that rattles their creative pivots.

​Everton has been exceptionally decent at home this season, thriving in high-intensity "night under the lights" scenarios. Given the historical rivalry and Everton’s need to distance themselves from the bottom three, the Red Devils might find Goodison Park a bridge too far. Do not be surprised if the Toffees grind out a 1-0 or 2-1 victory to close out the Match Week with a bang.