Premier League Predictions, Week 31

Welcome back to another edition of Premier League predictions! We're nearing the end of a crazy year, with 3 matches remaining for all, and battles at the top, near the top, and at the bottom all still raging on. I have to be honest, between March Madness heartache, Marvel and Game of Thrones fatigue, and Taylor Swift’s return to the radio, the only thing keeping me going is Champions League and Premier League football.

Even that has its share of pain, as Manchester City seemingly clinched the PL with a midweek win over rivals Manchester United. In addition, last week, I had my worst performance to date, going a dreadful 1 for 5, my lone success being unfortunately correct in my foresight that City would avenge their Champions League loss to Tottenham.

But, motivated by and fresh off of Liverpool’s resounding 5-0 win today, I feel rejuvenated and ready to go 5 for 5 and reset my course towards greatness. TIme to get the good mo rollin', the matches are less than 12 hours away! Here are my 5 for Week 31.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham

In the insane scramble for the Top 4, Tottenham are the most secure of their three peers, but the Spurs are far from safe, hovering at just 3 points ahead of 4th-place Chelsea. Tomorrow they take on an unpredictable West Ham side, who have a history of derailing Tottenham's ambitions. In this London derby, I expect a home crowd will go a long way.

The Pick: Tottenham, 2-0

Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Newcastle

There was not near as much drama about the relegation zone this season as in years past, thanks to Huddersfield's record-breaking futility, and Fulham's relegation fate being sealed not much later. But things took a bit of a turn last week, when Brighton were upset by Cardiff City, giving the Bluebirds a glimmer of hope. Brighton now sit at just 3 points ahead of Cardiff in the coveted 17th-place spot, and will likely need a result as the latter plays the aforementioned already-eliminated Fulham tomorrow. Newcastle is not a nightmare matchup for the Gulls, per se, but neither is it the easiest test. I expect Brighton to do just enough to keep their heads above Cardiff.

The Pick: Draw, 1-1

Leicester City vs. Arsenal

This will be a fun one. It always is, but Arsenal have everything to play for. While Leicester doesn't as much, they love playing spoiler, and oh, by the way, having everything to play for hasn't exactly inspired Arsenal, who seemingly have no interest in finishing Top 4. Leicester is always good at least for a couple goals on the Gunners, and I think this time around that will be enough. The Foxes get a morale-boosting win for their still-green manager, and Arsenal decides to just put all eggs in the Europa League basket.

The Pick: Leicester City, 3-2

Burnley vs. Manchester City

Speaking of putting all eggs in one basket, Manchester City! Ever since their stunning Champions League elimination, City has been going all in on their attempt to at least win the 'domestic treble,' a feat that hasn't been accomplished by any English club. They're on the way to doing it: they sit atop the table by a point, and play in the FA Cup final against Watford later this month. There will be some intrigue to this match this weekend, as Burnley, who is never an easy out, hosts City, and there's this odd stat: the Clarets have beaten the reigning champions in every season they've played in the Premier League. Still, the win this week over United seemed to be a defining moment for this City squad: they're too good and too determined to let this title slip through their fingers. It may be a tougher go of it than expected, but they'll grit this one out.

The Pick: Manchester City, 1-0

Manchester United vs. Chelsea

And speaking of Manchester United, the Red Devils might quietly find some glee in the fact that their midweek loss severely damaged the title aspirations of hated rival Liverpool. But the problem is, they're now on the outside looking in on the Top 4, and in 6th place, the Europa League seems to be their likely destination for next year. How did they get here? After such a scintillating start to interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tenure, they are in the midst of an epic losing streak, inspiring many (including yours truly) to point out that perhaps removing the "interim" tag from Solskjaer's name was a bit premature.

On the other hand, how did it all go so wrong for Chelsea? Through the first half of the season, the Blues were competing for the title, not for a scrambling 4th place! At least Chelsea have the possibility to qualify for the Champions League via victory in the Europa League; ultimately, I think this may indicate the difference in this match. Both teams need a win in the worst way, but United more so, and the Red Devils know that Premier League success is the only route to playing in Europe's premier tournament next season. I predict Man U gets the necessary win to again rally around their new manager.

The Pick: Manchester United, 2-0

Premier League Predictions, Week 31

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