Premier League Predictions, Week 24
© Micah Veldkamp, 2019
We're back! Yes, only 48 hours or so have passed since the last Premier League matches ended, but it is already time for another PL Prediction Blog. Shoutout to the FA for cramming three matches in a 7-day span.
It's Derby Day this weekend, with lots of local rivalries to whet our Premier League whistles as we round into the final 10 matches of the year. Here's hoping your team of choice performs better than I did last weekend. In my last outing, I scored a dreadful 2 for 5 on the week, with no accurate scorelines to save me. I knew Man U would win one and draw one, but flip-flopped which matches it would be. And I also greatly underestimated Chelsea in their clash with Tottenham. Apologies, Blues. That brings my record to a rough 68 for 95. Now, the games are less than 12 hours away from kicking off, so let's not waste any more time groveling. Here are your 5 for Week 24!
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal
Rivalry Weekend begins with the biggest of them all: the North London Derby, which typically produces some of the most goal-ridden, an in recent years, high-stakes affairs. The title is likely out of the hands of both clubs this year, especially Arsenal's, but the Gunners can draw to within one point of their rivals and set serious motion forward on a Top 4 finish with a win. Their soaring attack gives them a chance, but it won't be easy. In addition to home-field advantage, Tottenham have the double emotional advantage of seeking to avenge their 2-4 shellacking from December, as well as clear the bad taste of two straight losses out of their mouth. It's a tough turnaround for Spurs, but I think those factors give them the win.
The Pick: Tottenham, 2-1
Manchester United vs. Southampton
Considering the injuries to vital players they have suffered, Manchester United had a solid week on the whole. They drew rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool, holding them to a point, then won emphatically at Crustal Palace just a few days later, despite the context having clear 'trap game' potential. The bad news is that Arsenal has once again leapfrogged them into the Top 4. The good news is that while the former has to go on the road against the #3 team in the League, United play a side that will not strike fear into anyone's hearts.
The Pick: Manchester United, 3-0
Bournemouth vs. Manchester City
It may not be a derby but from now until further notice, every match Manchester City plays is a massive match. The Citizens are now just a point within Liverpool for the Premier League lead, the closest they've been (on even matches played) since the start of December. There was a time this year where a match on the road at Bournemouth might have had upset potential written all over it. Given the form of the two teams at the moment, it's hard to see anything but a City romp this time.
The Pick: Manchester City, 3-1
Fulham vs. Chelsea
Fulham, striving to jump out of the Bottom 3, will plays hosts to London rivals Chelsea, attempting to jump into the Top 4. The Cottagers have just sacked former Premier League-winning manager Claudio Ranieri. Ranieri's compatriot, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri may not be far behind him if the Blues do not show an uptick in quality down the stretch this season. Oftentimes, a managerial change can bring about new life in a team, much as it did for Fulham at the start of Ranieri's stint. However, fresh off a rousing victory over Tottenham, it appears their opponents, already several legs up in quality, are inspired to play for their manager's retention. That spells doom for Fulham.
The Pick: Chelsea, 4-1
Everton vs. Liverpool
The Merseyside Derby has been lopsided in recent years, but it's never short on energy, passion or wild moments. After all, in case you forgot, this is what happened last time these two played. On paper, Liverpool has the clear advantage here, and they very well may be licking their chops after their best performance of the year, a 5-0 destruction of Watford. But Everton are no pushover, and Merseyside Derbies are quite often evenly-matched affairs. As mentioned earlier, every single match for the Reds now is huge, and you better believe their rivals would love to spoil the celebratory mood.
The Pick: Draw, 1-1