Premier League Predictions, Week 23
© Micah Veldkamp, 2019
Well, after a week filled with exciting Champions League action, and anticlimactic FA Cup action, it's time for the return of some... Premier League action!
The long weekend resulted in another patented loaded Premier League week. This preview will encompass matches from both this weekend and the midweek. We enter-- well, not really enter, most matches this weekend have already been played --Matchdays 27 and Matchdays 28 with Manchester City still in front on goal differential, albeit with a match in hand. Still, as the Citizens spend the weekend playing in the League Cup final, they'll keep one eye at their crosstown rivals, circling tomorrow's date as the day they may be able to jump Liverpool for good.
In less dramatic but way more exciting news, in my last outing, my hot start to 2019 came back in a big way, as I scored my first 5 for 5 of the season! Sure, I missed all scorelines, and had an easier-than-usual slate of matches. But hey! Stop taking away from MY moment! That brings my record to an always-improving 66 for 90. Now, the first match of the weekend has already been played, so let's not waste any time boasting. Here are your 5 for Week 22!
Manchester United vs. Liverpool
This is the one all eyeballs in the Premier League will be on. Man U-Liverpool, likely the foremost rivalry of the Premier League, is always one of the most-anticipated matches of the year. This time around, though, it has title implications. The Red Devils, besotted by a dreadful first several months, are likely out of the title race, but a win would take a massive step towards finishing in the Top 4, something that seemed impossible when Mourinho was let go. Conversely, Liverpool winning would set them 3 points clear at the top of the table with seemingly their toughest test of the way. Given the context and the form of both teams, it should be a cracking showdown. Since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, though, Liverpool have always struggled at Old Trafford. They're a different team this year, but with how well United are playing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it's hard to see anything being different this time around.
The Pick: Manchester United, 2-1
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United
On Wednesday, Man U faces a short turnaround from their huge match, which could be tricky regardless of the Sunday result. If they beat Liverpool, they'll be susceptible to riding high from their last victory and not taking this opponent seriously. If they lose tomorrow, they run the risk of letting Liverpool beat them twice. It doesn't help that the opponent is one of the trickier mid-table sides of the season. Crystal Palace is often leaky at the back, but has one of the most dangerous attacks in the country. I think the combination of the two is enough to get Crystal Palace a point this time around.
The Pick: Draw, 2-2
Liverpool vs. Watford
Regarding Liverpool's situation coming into this match, see above. The difference in this case is they will get to rebound from their huge Sunday match within the friendly confines of home. And, as good as Watford was in the first half of the season, it's been a while since the Hornets have looked as dangerous as, say, Crystal Palace is now. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, I do think Liverpool secures an Anfield win on Wednesday night.
The Pick: Liverpool, 2-0
Manchester City vs. West Ham
Manchester City, with a certain result tomorrow, could be in first place on Wednesday night when they play hosts to West Ham, who haven't lost in their last 4 matches. Even if Liverpool is to get 1 or 3 points, City will be viewing every match as an opportunity to jump in the standings. That spells bad news for the Hammers, good form or not.
The Pick: Manchester City, 4-1
Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur
What might have been circled as a potentially Premier League-tilting affair not too long ago might have lost its luster a little, as Chelsea's form-- and by extension, Maurizio Sarri's tenure --is circling the drain, and the Spurs will be coming off a shock loss to Burnley. Still, the styles of play between the two often leads to a thrilling encounter. The last time these two met, Tottenham gave the Blues their first loss of the season. I'm tempted to say Chelsea grabs revenge on the return leg, but seeing the deflated way they've been playing against quality opponents of late makes it tough to see anything good come out of this for them.
The Pick: Tottenham, 3-2