Premier League (Restart) Predictions, Week 34 (Kinda)
© Micah Veldkamp, 2019
Welcome back to your Premier League predictions! If it feels like it’s been forever since we last spoke, that’s because it’s been— *checks calendar* —two days?!
Yes, the delayed end of the season continues to come fast and furious. The final match of last “week”’s predictions was just played today, and now “Week” 34 begins in earnest tomorrow. Speaking of today’s match, Tottenham edged out Everton, which contributed to just 2 correct picks on the week. Before the last piece was even published, I had mentally whiffed on my Leicester City-Crystal Palace prediction, and then the bad mojo continued with Arsenal’s key win over Wolverhampton. Luckily, it wasn’t all bad news for me, as I correctly forecasted Chelsea’s win over Watford, and not only accurately predicted a Liverpool win over Aston Villa, but nailed the scoreline (and, bragging a little, the analysis) as well.
The week brings my season total to a count of 72/119. But no time for ticking off numbers, the matches are less than 24 hours from resuming yet again! Here are 6 for Week 34:
Watford vs. Norwich City
In terms of the relegation battle, which is one of the most intriguing battles left in the Premier League, this match is an equivalent of September’s Liverpool vs. Chelsea clash. Norwich, the alternate-timeline Liverpool, look to be well on their way to relegation, but that outcome has not actually been solidified yet. Watford, meanwhile, started the season absolutely atrociously, but have since worked their way ever-so-slightly out of the relegation zone, clinging on to the 17th-place spot. A win here for the Hornets would go a long way towards solidifying safety, and a win for Norwich would be a huge step forward in a mighty fight for survival. Sharing the points could be deadly to both. Unfortunately for the lovable Canaries, though, it seems the die is cast for their season. Watford wins this one at home.
The Pick: Watford, 2-1
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea
Crystal Palace were riding a decent hot streak on either side of the season postponement, but then ran into a buzzsaw at Liverpool. Palace have now lost their last three matches, by an aggregate score of 8-0. Chelsea, meanwhile, shook off a stunning midweek loss to West Ham by cruising against Watford, and keeping Manchester United at arm’s length for now. If Manchester City’s European ban is upheld, Chelsea seem to be in good shape for Champions League qualification, but you can bet that they’ll want to keep winning to make sure that Top 4 finish is solidified and a Champions League spot isn’t even in question.
The Pick: Chelsea, 3-1
Arsenal vs. Leicester City
Arsenal has been a conundrum for me of late. I know, I know; ’Welcome to the club!!!,’ come the screams of Arsenal fans everywhere, but really— just when I was buying into their momentum, they get embarrassed by Manchester City and Brighton. Then, when I promise to not get burnt again, I underestimate them and they unleash a 4-match winning spree, complete with this weekend’s big upset over Champions League contenders Wolves. Such is Arsenal’s form right now that had Leicester City dropped points yet again as I assumed they would, I would pick 3 points for the Gunner and not look back. But, Leicester’s weekend shellacking of Crystal Palace made me think that just maybe the Foxes— and Jamie Vardy — are regaining form right on time for a late season-ending, Top 4 grind. This may actually be the best match of the week; another one where no result would surprise me. As such, I’m predicting a draw.
The Pick: Draw, 1-1
Sheffield United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
These two sides have been feel-good stories in a season absolutely full of them (Liverpool ending their title drought, #PukkiParties, Leicester being genuinely brilliant for half a season, Man City’s snake oil dealings finally being punished, etc.). At the time of the restart, the clubs, with a total of one season’s experience in the Premier League between then, were firmly entrenched in a battle to qualify for next year’s Champions League. Unfortunately, things have not gone to plan of late, and this may be the last time we get to speak of either team as a contender for those sweepstakes. Sheffield United’s dreadful form since the restart was well documented on this blog already. But, just as they seem to be regaining form (4 points in fixtures vs. Tottenham and Burnley), Wolves lost theirs, dropping a crucial match at home to Arsenal. It was the Wanderers’ first loss since January, and just their second of the calendar year, but it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With Manchester United on torrid form, they’re now four points off of a Champions League spot. Going off the latest form of both teams, it’s difficult for me to imagine Wolves coming away with 3 points here.
The Pick: Draw, 0-0
Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham finally got a win over a solid team earlier today, ugly as it may have been. Own goal or not, intra-squad squabble or not, Spurs’ victory over Everton was just their second over a Top 10 side this year, and its first in 5 months. Champions League seems to be out of the question for this side next year, but Europa League qualification, as well as jumping rivals Arsenal, are still in play. As for Bournemouth, it’s now or never time. Tottenham can’t be who the Cherries wanted to see as opponents this time of the year, but if they’re going to jump out of the relegation zone, they’re going to need stunning results like a win in this fixture. Unfortunately, I just don’t see it happening. Bournemouth under Eddie Howe have shown incredible spirit and an ability to overachieve the last several years, but there seems to be something missing from the team this season, particularly in this side of 2020.
The Pick: Tottenham, 2-0
Aston Villa vs. Manchester United
And speaking of “relegation vs. Big Six” battles, we have Aston Villa and Manchester United brining up the rear this week. On paper, this has the makings of a blowout; in actuality, it could be a really good match. Manchester United have been absolutely en fuego since the restart, and that has only been adding to an unbeaten streak that stretches back to mid-January. That alone is bad news for Villa, but throw in the fact that the league’s worst defense will now be staring down a young United attack that has pelted in 13 goals in 4 matches, and it arguably gets uglier. Yet, thanks to the little bit of cushion Man U have over Wolves now, Aston Villa do need this win more. The Villains are just a couple points from being outside the relegation zone, and that closeness showed in a tough match against Liverpool on Sunday. They came up empty in that one, but only after fighting punch-for-punch with the champions for 70 minutes. I think they might push the Red Devils more than any team has in the last couple weeks, but taking points off them is probably too tall a task at this point.
The Pick: Manchester United, 3-2