Premier League (Restart) Predictions, Week 37 (Kinda)
© Micah Veldkamp, 2019
Welcome back to your Premier League predictions! We are finally nearing the end of this season that seemed as if it would never end, but before we get to the last weekend, we have a slew of midweek battles to account for the FA Cup fixtures played on Saturday and Sunday.
The weekend wasn't just full of Manchester teams losing in England's 2nd-most important competition, though. A couple Week 37 matches have already been played, including a crucial tilt between Tottenham and Leicester City, in which the latter continued boffing their way through the end of this season. Their 3-0 loss to a Spurs side that didn't have much to play for cleared the way for Chelsea and Manchester United to jump them and finish in Champions League qualifying spots.
Speaking of finishing the season on a low note: my predictions stayed remarkably mediocre last time out. Sure, I correctly got the easy Manchesters City and United picks right, as well as West Ham's victory over Watford. But I did not foresee Leicester City actually getting the W over Sheffield United, and definitely did not foresee a Liverpool loss to Arsenal.
The week brings my season total to a count of 83.5/135. But no time for mourning poor finishes, the matches are starting back in less than 24 hours! Here are your 4 for Week 37:
Watford vs. Manchester City
Watford have more to play for, but trying to avenge a 0-8 loss to one of the most talented teams on the planet is the epitome of baptism by fire for new interim manager Hayden Mullins.
The Pick: Manchester City, 3-1
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
There’s no question who the better team is, but Villa need a win more and surely Arsenal’s run of good form can’t keep up this long, can it?
The Pick: Aston Villa, 2-1
Manchester United vs. West Ham
A win for West Ham secures safety, a win for United jumps them into 4th (possibly even 3rd) place; when in doubt, go with the talent.
The Pick: Manchester United, 4-2
Liverpool vs. Chelsea
Champions Liverpool won’t want to have their trophy party— nor their unbeaten streak at Anfield —spoiled, but emotional motivation can’t compete with the tangible goal Chelsea has to finish in the Top 4.
The Pick: Chelsea, 2-1