Premier League Predictions, Week 22

Welcome back, everyone! It feels like an eternity since we've had two consecutive weekends of Premier League football, but here we are. Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham are probably grateful for the opportunity to continue their positive mojo. Teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, though, are probably desperate for another break to get injured players back and regroup after what's started to feel like a spiral in form for each of them.

Indeed, we enter Matchday 26 with a new leader for the first time in two months; granted, City have played one more match than the Reds and do have the same number of points, but still, it can't feel anything but nervy for the fans over in Merseyside.

In even WORSE news, in my last outing, my hot start to 2019 came crashing down, as I went a dreadful 2 for 5. I take solace int he fact that, thanks to a Fernando Llorente winner, I got the Tottenham-Watford score and result correct. But still, giving Man United and Liverpool too much credit, and Leicester credit for the wrong match led to egg on my face. That brings my record to an inferior 61 for 85. Now, the first match is less than 12 hours away from starting back, so let's not waste any time boasting. Here are your 5 for Week 22!

Fulham vs. Manchester United

I made a bold prediction last week that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's perfect start at Manchester United would come to an end with a draw. As it turns out, Man U did in fact drop points last week, though not to the team I predicted- it was a thrilling goal fest all right, but against Burnley, of all teams! And at home! Fortunately for the Red Devils, they were able to recuperate impressively on the road with 3 points against a tough Leicester side. Even more fortunately, they now have the opportunity to continue their undefeated start under their interim manager by playing likely-relegated Fulham. Glory, Glory rolls on this weekend.

The Pick: Manchester United, 3-1

Huddersfield Town vs. Arsenal

Huddersfield is desperate for a win in order to start crawling out of the relegation zone. Arsenal is desperate for a win to keep their bid for a Top 4 finish afloat, amidst challenges from Chelsea and surging Man United. Huddersfield is never as easy an out as they should be when they're playing in front of arguably the best fans in the Premier League. The good news for Arsenal is that their hosts do not score a whole lot of goals, and the Gunners, well, score bunches.

The Pick: Arsenal, 4-1

Liverpool vs. Bournemouth

Perhaps the only outfit more desperate for a positive result than the above two teams is league co-leaders Liverpool. It feels like just yesterday that everyone was carving the Reds' name into the Premier League trophy, but, thanks in no small part to injuries to significant players, they stumbled through a brutal January. The first month of 2019 consisted of their first league loss-- to rivals Man City--, elimination in the FA Cup, an ugly win over Brighton, a sloppy win over Crystal Palace, and an uncharacteristically nervy home draw with Leicester. As of last Monday, it seems their form has carried into February, as Liverpool again dropped points in a match they would have been pegged to win, at West Ham. So, needless to say, they need a win in the worst way, as soon as possible. Tomorrow's opponents will not be the easiest, as Bournemouth have spent much of the season teetering on the edge of the Top 6. A few positive signs for Reds fans, though: they may have Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gini Wijnaldum back from injury, they're playing at the friendly confines of Anfield, and they're going against a team they've beaten 4-0 already this season.

The Pick: Liverpool, 2-1

Tottenham vs. Leicester City

Leicester did take points off one of the big dogs last week, though not the one I foretold. I expected the Foxes to drop a close decision to Liverpool, then turn around and take points off of Manchester United at home; in reality, those results were reversed. Anyways, Leicester's absurd stretch continues with a visit to Tottenham. These two nearly always lots of goals when they face (which means I just guaranteed a listless 1-0 victory), and the Spurs often find themselves pressed by their competitors. But, as of late, all Tottenham has done is find ways to win matches.

The Pick: Tottenham, 4-2

Manchester City vs. Chelsea

Manchester City is right back in the title race, and has a chance to be atop the standings after Sunday, regardless of whatever result Liverpool manufactures the day before them. Chelsea, meanwhile, appear to be bordering on "freefall mode," between shock losses, injuries, rumors of frustrated players and public questioning of manager Maurizio Sarri. Things do not bode well for the Blues, but I actually think they'll come out motivated by the low expectations, not unlike the way they did upon the teams' first meeting this season. However, in the end, a title challenge, a home crowd, and a revenge factor gives City an insurmountable emotional edge in this affair.

The Pick: Manchester City, 2-1

Premier League Predictions, Week 22

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