Premier League Matchday 24 Preview 2026: Title Race Heats Up

Premier League Matchday 24 Preview 2026: Title Race Heats Up

As we enter Matchday 24 of the Premier League 2026 season, the stakes continue to rise with just seven games remaining. Sidama Bunna's four-point lead atop the standings is the headline, but Negelle Arsi and Awassa Kenema are waiting in the wings, hoping for slip-ups. The battle for top-eight positions is equally intense, with Fasil Ketema and Ethiopia Bunna struggling to find consistency. Meanwhile, teams like Mebrat Hayl and Adama Kenema need crucial wins to strengthen their positions.

This round features a mix of high-stakes clashes, contrasting form streaks, and intriguing team dynamics. From Sidama Bunna’s defensive dominance to Negelle Arsi’s tactical pragmatism, here's how Matchday 24 is shaping up, along with where you might find betting value.

Sidama Bunna vs Suhul Shire: A Chance to Tighten Grip on the Title

Kick-off: Friday, 13 March, 15:00

League leaders Sidama Bunna host bottom-half Suhul Shire in a match that feels heavily tipped in the home side’s favor. Sidama Bunna have been incredibly strong at home, boasting nine clean sheets in 11 games—a staggering 82% rate. Their ability to shut out opponents has been the foundation of their title push, especially as goals have been scarce in recent weeks (two 0-0 draws in their last five matches).

The visitors, Suhul Shire, have struggled for form and goals all season, failing to score in 55% of their matches (12 of 22). This trend doesn’t bode well against a Sidama defense that rarely gives away chances. With Sidama aiming to maintain their cushion at the top, this match could be a relatively straightforward affair.

Prediction: 1 (Sidama Bunna win), under 2.5 goals, BTTS - No

Given Sidama Bunna’s defensive resilience and Suhul Shire’s impotent attack, betting on under 2.5 goals (61% confidence) and BTTS - No (55%) offers strong value.

Fasil Ketema vs Mekelakeya: Clashing Defensive Titans

Kick-off: Friday, 13 March, 12:00

This matchup pits two defensively disciplined teams against each other, making it one of the most unpredictable fixtures of the round. Fasil Ketema, despite losing their last four matches, boast one of the best defensive setups in the league, evidenced by their 13 clean sheets in 22 games (59%). Their recent slump is unusual, but their home form remains steady.

Mekelakeya, currently sitting fourth, are a side that has shown tactical defensive balance, keeping three consecutive clean sheets coming into this clash. However, scoring remains a challenge; they net 68% of their goals in the first half but often fade in the second.

Prediction: Draw (X), under 2.5 goals, BTTS - Yes

With confidence levels at 33% for a draw and both sides struggling to find attacking fluency, this fixture feels destined to be a low-scoring stalemate. BTTS - Yes (60%) presents some betting intrigue.

Negelle Arsi vs Mebrat Hayl: Key Clash in the Upper Table

Kick-off: Sunday, 15 March, 13:00

Second-place Negelle Arsi host fifth-place Mebrat Hayl in what could prove pivotal for both teams’ aspirations. Negelle Arsi, only four points behind Sidama Bunna, have established themselves as one of the league’s most tactical squads, with under 2.5 goals occurring in eight of their last nine matches (89%). Their defensive structure has been integral to their success, conceding just 0.95 goals per game.

Mebrat Hayl, meanwhile, are one of the league’s draw specialists, with 10 stalemates this season. However, their attack has been poor; they’ve failed to score in 57% of their matches (13 of 23). Facing Negelle’s disciplined setup, they’ll need something special to break through.

Prediction: 1 (Negelle Arsi win), under 2.5 goals, BTTS - No

Negelle Arsi’s home advantage and superior defensive record make them favorites, while the under 2.5 goals (61%) market is highly appealing given both teams’ scoring struggles.

Quick Hits: The Other Matches

• Hadiya Hosaena vs Sheger Ketema: Sheger Ketema’s unbeaten streak and Hadiya’s defensive lapses suggest a narrow away win (2). BTTS - Yes (61%) adds value.
• Kedus Giorgis vs Bahardar: Both teams are toothless in attack, making under 2.5 goals (60%) likely. A surprise Bahardar win (45%) offers betting upside.
• Arba Minch Kenema vs Ethiopian Medhin: Both sides have dire scoring records, so under 2.5 goals (57%) is a solid pick. Ethiopian Medhin could snatch an away win (2).
• Welwalo Adigrat Uni vs Dire Dawa Kenema: Welwalo, unbeaten in five, are favorites (1), while BTTS - Yes (58%) provides additional market value.
• Ethiopia Bunna vs Adama Kenema: Ethiopia Bunna’s recent form suggests they’ll challenge, but Adama Kenema’s defensive strength tips this toward an away win (2).
• Ethiopia Nigd Bank vs Awassa Kenema: Awassa’s superior form and scoring streak make them dangerous, but Ethiopia Nigd Bank have home advantage. BTTS - Yes (59%) is the standout bet.
• Mekelle Kenema vs Welayta Dicha: A scrappy battle between struggling sides, but Welayta Dicha’s away woes make them unlikely winners despite their slight edge (2).

Best Betting Value for Matchday 24

Several matches this week hold intriguing betting opportunities:

• Sidama Bunna vs Suhul Shire: Under 2.5 goals (61%), BTTS - No (55%)
• Fasil Ketema vs Mekelakeya: Draw (X, 33%), BTTS - Yes (60%)
• Negelle Arsi vs Mebrat Hayl: Under 2.5 goals (61%), Negelle win (45%)
• Ethiopia Bunna vs Adama Kenema: Adama win (45%), BTTS - Yes (58%)

With the title race heating up and critical battles shaping both ends of the table, Matchday 24 promises tactical intrigue and drama. Stay tuned for what could be a decisive weekend in the Premier League 2026 season.