Premier League Predictions, Week 21

Welcome back, everyone! We had a weekend away from Premier League last week, and I know, it was the most miserable I've been in a long time, too. The good news is, now that the International Break is done, we're back at it now and with 2 matches this week for all teams! Double the fun!

In happier news, in my last outing, I continued my hot start to 2019, going 4 for 5. If substitute Harry Winks hadn't scored a stoppage-time winner for Tottenham, I would have had my first 5 for 5 week, with a dead-on score prediction for Tottenham-Fulham, no less. Ah well; much like a Premier League title for Liverpool, perfection seems to always evade me. Regardless, that brings my record to a marginally better 59 for 80. Now, the first match is less than 24 hours away from starting back, so let's not waste any time boasting. Here are your 5 for Week 21!

Manchester United vs. Burnley

If you've paid just a lick of attention to club football the last couple months (or read this blog), you're well aware that Man United has started with 8 wins from 8 under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It's such an impressive start it has many speculating it's just a matter of time before United lift the "interim" tag from their new manager. Detractors have pointed to the quality of opponents as the main reason for their newfound success, but guess what? Even if you believe that to be a fair criticism, the competition isn't going to get any better this week, as the Red Devils host 16th-placed Burnley. Expect the streak to get to 9, and the hype train to keep rolling.

The Pick: Manchester United, 3-1

Tottenham vs. Watford

Tottenham, alternatively, is stumbling upon nearly opposite fortunes as Man U. They have lost 3 of their last 4, and their lone win was the aforementioned last-gasp victory over likely relegated Fulham. Almost surely related to these results is the fact that they've now also lost stars Harry Kane and Dele Alli until March. Things don't get easier for Spurs, as they welcome a Watford team who beat them on their first meeting. The trendy pick will probably be the Hornets, but I've incorrectly picked against Tottenham too much to make the mistake. I think Spurs eke out another tough one.

The Pick: Tottenham, 2-1

Liverpool vs. Leicester City

Liverpool's march towards their first-ever Premier League title continues, and each match feels massive. To be fair, the match this Wednesday is a fairly big one, as 2015-16 champions Leicester come to town, and the Foxes always give Liverpool a tough go of it. After a magical December, 2019 has started roughly for the Reds, and they've needed to rely on clutch performances from their attack and defense alternatively to pull out close ones against Crystal Palace and Brighton. I think they'll be able to get the win again, especially with the game being under the lights at Anfield, but I'm far from the confidence level I was at this time last month. And Leicester will get a goal....they always do.

The Pick: Liverpool, 2-1

Leicester City vs. Manchester United

Woof, brutal week for Leicester. A mere 3 and a half days after they play league leaders Liverpool, the 9th-place Foxes get to host Manchester United, who will likely be coming in seeking their 10th straight victory. It will be fascinating to see how Leicester, who seemingly always punches above their weight can cope with this week. I'm going to go out a little ways on a limb, and predict United's winning streak ends at King Power Stadium. I still think there's so much talent playing well right now for me to predict a total upset, but I do think Leicester represent the toughest challenge Man United will have faced since the arrival of their interim manager.

The Pick: Draw, 2-2

Manchester City vs. Arsenal

After 18 matches in 5 days, the biggest match of the Premier League slate will be the penultimate one of the week. On Sunday, title contenders Manchester City host 5th-placed Arsenal in a rematch of the season opener, which was won by the defending champions

2-0. The Gunners have had a very up-and-down season, but unfortunately, come into this fixture amidst one of the "downs." They did score a massive win over rivals Chelsea just over a week ago, but apart from that, have won just 2 out of their last 6 Premier League matches, and have been eliminated in the FA Cup. Furthermore, they've likely lost their Top 3 defenders heading into this particular clash, which bodes very poorly for any team playing against freewheeling Manchester City. I think the Blues are invigorated by the fight for the title, and smell blood in the water on this one.

The Pick: Manchester City, 5-2

Premier League Predictions, Week 21

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