Premier League Predictions, Week 3
© Micah Veldkamp, 2018
You may recall that once upon a time, long ago, I promised a weekly Premier League Prediction piece was on the way. 3 and a half months later, I am happy to report that it is finally here!
It's a perhaps uninspiring week to launch the predictions, as Week 3 features some real clunkers, but better late and random than never, right? Besides, we have one primetime matchup. Well, primetime in England. It will be in the middle of a workday afternoon here in the States. I'm not bitter.
Here are the 5 for Week 3!
Arsenal vs. West Ham
Something's gotta give, right? Though these teams' outlook on the season likely looks very different, the start for both could not have looked worse. Arsenal came in with hopes of being a Top 4 competitor once again, but have scarcely looked the part, getting outclassed by Man City in the opener, and outgunned by rivals Chelsea last week. West Ham came in hoping that a positive finish to last season and a summer spending spree would see them out of the relegation zone, but followed their destruction by Liverpool with a home loss to Bournemouth. Still, the quality gap between the two is great, and though the Hammers might snag a goal and make the Emirates Stadium nervous, the Gunners will end up getting back on track.
The Pick: Arsenal, 3-1
Bournemouth vs. Everton
On the flip side....something's gotta give, right? Both sides are off to a nice start, but particularly the Cherries, who have gathered 6 points against newcomers Cardiff City and the aforementioned West Ham. Everton, too, have had a bright start on the year, overcoming a red card to secure points from Wolves in the opener, then out-toughing Southampton last week. Everton is the better side on the whole, but Bournemouth probably better coached, and at home. We'll call it even.
The Pick: Draw, 2-2
Liverpool vs. Brighton and Hove Albion
I'll admit, much of the hype about Liverpool coming into the season, the kind that has only risen in volume after two comfortable shutouts to open the year, makes me nervous for matches like these. These are the kinds of matches the Reds have dropped in years past in general, let alone when their opponent proved their pluckiness by offing Manchester United just last week. Still, there does seem to be a different air about this Liverpool team, and it's largely because of the calm at the back, thanks to mega-signings Virgil Van Dijk and Allisson. I'll go against my gut and say they secure yet another shutout.
The Pick: Liverpool, 2-0
Newcastle vs. Chelsea
The Magpies came soaring back into the Premier League last year, finishing comfortably, in the Top 10 of the league. This season has been a different story thus far, as Newcastle have secured only one point, a listless draw against Cardiff City last week. I predict they'll have a brighter showing against Chelsea, particularly given the nervy defending of the latter, but in the end the Blues will show that they're in for good things this season.
The Pick: Chelsea, 3-2
Manchester United vs. Tottenham
The highlighted matchup of the week, England's version of "Monday Night Football," will be a fascinating showdown. Both sides already seem to be in "must-win" situations, with Manchester United reeling from a shock loss to Brighton last week, and Tottenham looking to prove themselves amidst a PR disaster surrounding their new home stadium. It will also match up Pochettino's fluid, attacking football, with Mourinho's compact, tight tactical football. I wouldn't be surprised to see it be a relatively anticlimactic affair, given how early in the season it is. Because I'm wimpy, I'll predict a draw, which would constitute as panic mode for the fans at Old Trafford
The Pick: Draw, 1-1