Premier League Predictions, Week 17
© Micah Veldkamp, 2018
Christmas is in the air! Or, as Premier League fans say, Boxing Day is in the air! Yes, we have another compressed week, filled with multiple matches. So that I don't spend my Christmas typing about English football, this preview will incorporate both this weekend and the Boxing Day matches.
Last week, I got back in action going 3 for 4, and nailing the City-Everton scoreline. My only miss was one I was happy to miss out on, with Liverpool beating Man U. Shouldn't have doubted you, boys! That brings my record to a marginally-approved 48 for 66. Now, the first match is less than 24 hours away from starting back, so let's not waste any time groveling. Here are your 5 for Week 17!
Wolverhampton vs. Liverpool
Quite honestly, this is the most compelling matchup of the week. With their dominance of rivals Manchester United, Liverpool maintained their lead atop the Premier League. They'll be favored in this one, but Wolves are in some form of their own. After their weird 2-match slide against Huddersfield and Cardiff, they've responded with 3 straight wins, including one over Chelsea. They've been a force at home, winning the aforementioned Chelsea match, and drawing both Manchester teams. For that reason, though it pains me to say it, I think they'll get a point off the league leaders.
The Pick: Draw, 1-1
Cardiff City vs. Manchester United
Ordinarily, this would not be much of a matchup to write home about. United's the most storied English club in history, and Cardiff is near the relegation zone. But Manchester United are playing just 5 days after they've fired their famous manager, and the man they've hired as his temporary replacement is a former player whose only Premier League coaching experience was with... Cardiff City. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer contributed to the Bluebirds' relegation from the League last time, and something tells me he'll be eager to rectify things with the club he played for, and for a team looking to regain their footing, Man U could not have asked for a nicer opponent.
The Pick: Manchester United, 3-0
Everton vs. Tottenham
Both these sides have been tough clubs to get a handle on. They've won when not playing very good football, and they've lost despite looking stylistically impressive. Everton at Goodison Park is never a walkover, but the talent difference here is real, and I've doubted Tottenham a few too many times as of late.
The Pick: Tottenham, 2-1
Tottenham vs. Bournemouth
What's this? Spurs again? Yes, just 3 days after their clash with Everton, Tottenham has to host a plucky Bournemouth side. The Cherries currently sit in 11th, but are just 3 points off of 6th place, where they were situated less than 2 weeks ago. With star forward Callum Wilson back, I think Bournemouth have enough to trouble Spurs at home, especially given the latter will just be coming off a tough away match.
The Pick: Draw, 1-1
Watford vs. Chelsea
Another plucky side, Watford, sit in 10th place, but just 2 points off of 6th. The Hornets get their last crack at a Big 6 club next week. They already passed the test against Tottenham, failed admirably against the Manchester sides, and failed embarrassingly against Arsenal and Liverpool. They've been as hard a side as any to predict this year, particularly at home, but given their struggle to cope with potent attacking sides in particular, I think you have to assume Chelsea will come away with this one.
The Pick: Chelsea, 1-0