Premier League Predictions, Week 7

The League Cup, or rather the Caribou Coffee Cup or whatever it's called, is fun and all, but it's time to get back to Premier League bidness this weekend. And no, I'm not just dismissing that tournament because Liverpool suffered their first loss of the season...though that is most of the reason. In happier news, I continued my glowing start to the predictions by going 4 for 5 last weekend. For the first time, I didn't get a single scoreline dead on, and I certainly did not see West Ham's draw with Chelsea coming. But I did foretell Liverpool's, Arsenal's, and Tottenham's wins, and nailed that surprise Wolverhampton draw with Man U.

Thank you, thank you. I accept your praise. By my count, I am now 14.5 for 20.

Now, the matches are less than 12 hours away from starting, so let's not waste any time. Here are your 5 for Week 7!

West Ham vs. Manchester United

Tomorrow's early matchup presents an intriguing clash: a early-season cellar-dweller coming off two straight positive results, and a major club who has struggled to get off the ground this year. I really, really can't see West Ham beating United, but it is tempting to go with the homefield Hammers to build on their surprise results against Everton and Chelsea. I'll split the difference and go for a draw.

The Pick: Draw, 1-1

Huddersfield vs. Tottenham

Tottenham finally got back on track last week with a desperately-needed victory over Brighton. Huddersfield, bless them, looks destined for relegation this year, but plays such entertaining football; the kind that might just prove to be a hassle for Spurs. I think Tottenham's quality wins out here, but it won't be as easy as expected.

The Pick: Tottenham, 4-2

Arsenal vs. Watford

There is a bigger blockbuster match this weekend (read on for more), but this, sneakily, could be the best of the lot. Watford's shock start to the season doesn't appear to be a fluke. They are well-coached, well-prepared, and play great attacking football. Arsenal, meanwhile, fell off the map after two season-opening losses, but have quietly gotten within striking distance of the Top 4 once again. They will certainly be looking to prove themselves against the best opponents they've faced since their 2 losses. I'll take the Gunners in a close one.

The Pick: Arsenal, 3-2

Everton vs. Fulham

Two (one-time) Premier League mainstays have had a troubling start to the 2018-19 season. Fulham have shown flashes of the brilliance that got them promoted from the Championship last year, but still have only been able to attain 5 points. Everton, meanwhile, have looked a shell of themselves of late, holding on to just one victory all year, against a lowly Southampton. The two sides are capable of great football, even if it has been in shorter supply this year, and could have a fun one tomorrow. If it were at Cravon Cottage, I'd be tempted to go with Fulham, but I'll say the Toffees get a much-needed result tomorrow.

The Pick: Everton, 2-1

Chelsea vs. Liverpool

This is the showdown we're all ready for, though. League leaders Liverpool vs. 2nd-place Chelsea. The Reds are still perfect in Premier League play, the Blues' only demerit last week's draw at West Ham. Just 2 days ago, however, Chelsea did ruin Liverpool's flawless start to the year in their 2-1 comeback victory in the League Cup. That Chelsea's B+ team knocked Liverpool's B+ team out of the League Cup doesn't have much bearing on this matchup; that Eden Hazard was too much for Liverpool's defense even at Anfield might, though. Still, the Reds have never stayed down for long under Klopp. And though the match might be at Stamford Bridge, I just can't see Liverpool going down to this Chelsea team twice in one week. If there is a winner tomorrow, it may be a big indication of the favorite in the title race.

The Pick: Liverpool, 4-2

Premier League Predictions, Week 7

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