Premier League Predictions, Week 8
© Micah Veldkamp, 2018
It's another short turnaround for the Premier League clubs, after the midweek Champions League and Europa League action. Last week, I went what we'll call 3 for 5. I got the Arsenal, Tottenham, and Everton victories correct and wasn't too far off the others. I'll give myself half a point for predicting West Ham would steal a point off Man U (though I did not foresee them getting all 3 points), and I won't give myself credit for predicting a Liverpool victory when in fact it was a draw with Chelsea, and even that was only thanks to the Goal of the Year. By my count, I am now a less-impressive 18 for 25.
Now, the matches are less than 12 hours away from starting, so let's not waste any time. Here are your 5 for Week 8!
Watford vs. Bournemouth
After a stunning unbeaten start to the season, Watford's star has cooled. The Hornets still find themselves in the Top 6, but now are winless in their last 3, including losses to Manchester United and Arsenal. Bournemouth was another team that started brightly, their first loss not coming until a competitive loss to Chelsea a few weeks back. In a matchup of what is probably "the best of the third tier," expect a number of goals and an entertaining showdown between two underrated managers. I expect Watford to get back on track, particularly at home.
The Pick: Watford, 3-2
Manchester United vs. Newcastle
A couple weeks ago, I questioned if it was safe to ask whether Manchester United were back in business. The answer, as it turns out, is a resounding "NO." It's crisis time for the Red Devils, who capitulated against West Ham last week, and have only followed that up with a goalless draw with Valencia in the Champions League, and controversy surrounding Jose Mourinho. Reports have surfaced that Mourinho is to be let go after this weekend; who knows the validity of those reports, but, though it feels as if a sacking is not far off, United should regardless get one more victory under Mourinho this weekend against a truly bad Newcastle side.
The Pick: Manchester United, 2-0
Fulham vs. Arsenal
I've been saying it for weeks now: Arsenal is flying under the radar, but is calmly climbing back up the Premier League table after a disappointing start to the year. Sure, they've played nearly all matches they'd be expected to win, but the important thing is, they're getting 3 points from all those matches, when in years past, they'd be good for dropping a few of them. That streak may continue this weekend against a Fulham side who's found it harder to enforce their possession-based style of play in the Premier League. Don't be surprised if the Cottagers keep it close, but expect Arsenal's good form to continue.
The Pick: Arsenal, 2-1
Southampton vs. Chelsea
Chelsea is far from panic mode, given that they're in good shape in the League Cup and Europa League, and a wildly entertaining draw with Liverpool is nothing to be ashamed of. However, it should be pointed out that after starting their season with 5 victories, the Blues are now looking for their first Premier League win in 3 weeks. The good news? They'll get it. Southampton, once a solid next-tier side, offers no real threat in attack and will find it hard to cope with Hazard and co. at the back.
The Pick: Chelsea, 3-0
Liverpool vs. Manchester City
Oh hey, you might have heard of this fun little game happening this weekend. The first matchup between the two title favorites this season, and the current co-leaders of the League, is expected to air in 1billion homes across 179 countries. It's a match with massive impact, but it's also the next installment in the Klopp-Guardiola series that has included so many phenomenal, fast-paced, high-quality matches. I have little doubt that this one could live up to the hype, but don't feel good about the momentum (or lack thereof) Liverpool has coming into this one. The fact that it will be under the lights at Anfield will be a monstrous boost, but I think City are in far better form and will be prepared enough to secure at least a draw.
The Pick: Draw, 1-1