Premier League Predictions, Week 15
© Micah Veldkamp, 2018
It feels crazy to be writing this piece already, when Premier League games seem to have just been wrapped up. Thanks to the nonsensical compressed December schedule, this is what we get. The cycle never ends! 'Tis the season.
Anyways, just the other day, I had a slightly redemptive week, going 3.5 for 5. I got the Chelsea-Wolves score right, just the winner wrong. I also did think Manchester United would get all 3 points from Arsenal, though I was delighted to be incorrect. Otherwise, those predictions looked pretty darn good. That takes my record to a still-rough 42 for 59. Now, the matches are less than 12 hours away from starting back, so let's not waste any time groveling. Here are your 5 for Week 15!
Bournemouth vs. Liverpool
Bournemouth is firmly a Tier II club this side. That may sound like damning with faint praise, until you realize the other clubs stuck in Tier II status are Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal. Unfortunately for the Cherries, their opponent tomorrow is a Tier I club. Don't get me wrong, Bournemouth is more than capable of taking points off Liverpool; they've done it before, and the Reds could be forgiven if they're looking forward to a crucial Champions League match on Tuesday. Still, I think this Liverpool side has proven to have the mettle to pull out matches like these.
The Pick: Liverpool, 2-1
Manchester United vs. Fulham
Most years, Manchester United playing at Old Trafford against the last-placed team in the Premier League would be a no-brainer. But this isn't most years. It's been near-impossible to get a finger on Mourinho's men this season; they're not catastrophic, a la Chelsea a few years ago, but they're not very good, either. At least not consistently. All this to say, don't be stunned if Fulham gives them a game. But still, let's not get crazy: Man U will win.
The Pick: Manchester United, 2-0
Chelsea vs. Manchester City
Despite its placement in the middle of the slate of matches, this is THE match this weekend. Were it just a few weeks ago, when both sides were unbeaten this would be probably the 2nd-most, if not the most-anticipated match of the young season. Instead, Chelsea are in a bit of freefall, with 1 point from their last 3 matches, and City appear to be marching towards a 2nd consecutive coronation as league champions. I want to believe in the Blues' ability to at least force an exciting draw at Stamford Bridge, and I think it's possible. But there's very little from either of the recent teams' play that leads me to believe this would be anything but a Man City victory.
The Pick: Manchester City, 2-1
Leicester City vs. Tottenham
After a somewhat sloppy start to the season, Leicester seems to have found their footing, so much so that they're within a point of Manchester United. As for Tottenham? Well, I've spent much time talking down their performances this season, but all of a sudden, they're in 3rd place. Two things are guaranteed when these two sides get together: goals, and an entertaining match. Expect the trend to continue in Leicester this weekend.
The Pick: Draw, 2-2
Everton vs. Watford
The signoff match for Week 15 is an understated finale. But Everton v Watford may be sneakily good. It's a showdown between two decent teams desperate for a good result. Watford were the darlings early in the season, but now are trying to shake off a 3-match losing streak, most recently a close one to Man City. Everton is, well, just trying to forget this happened. A win by either side wouldn't shock me, but in the end, I think they split honors.
The Pick: Draw, 1-1