Premier League Predictions, Week 11
Welcome back to the weekly predictions, Premier League fans! Another week come and gone, and though the League Cup interruption (for those fans of teams still in the competition) was a fun midweek distraction, I think most if not all of us are excited to get back to Premier League action this weekend.
Last time out, I unfortunately could not match my 6-point week, but really I was only ever going to go down from that point. And the good news is, it was another solid outing for me! No correct scorelines this time, nor a perfect slate. But, if I had to miss, I'm glad I missed because I went out on a limb, such as errantly predicting Crystal Palace would hold Tottenham to a draw. Besides, I got all other results correct with wins by Bournemouth, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. That 4/5 week brought me up to a delightfully round 25/30.
Now, the matches are less than 12 hours from kicking off, so let's not waste any more time fawning over multiples of 5. Here are your 5 for Week ((2x5)-(5/1))!
Fulham vs. Manchester United
The first match of the weekend features two teams desperately hoping to recapture the magic of last season. Fulham, hovering just a couple places above the relegation zone, looks a shell of the team that was in contention for European football up to the end of last season. Manchester United, meanwhile, with 4 losses in their last 7 matches, have had a far more sour start to Year 2 under Erik ten Hag than Year 1, which saw them play in both Cup finals (winning the League Cup) and finish 3rd place in the league. That said, in recent years, and maybe especially in the young Ten Hag Era, it's felt like right when the media coverage about how pitiful Man United is hits a fever pitch, the Red Devils uncork a little winning streak to quiet the noise; I wouldn't be surprised if that gets underway tomorrow morning.
The Pick: Man United, 2-1
Manchester City vs. Bournemouth
Since the international break, Manchester City has looked much more like the three-time reigning champions in three comprehensive victories than they did before the break in a rare slump of 3 losses in 4 matches. Bournemouth got a crucial win last week over Burnley to lift their heads just above the relegation zone for the first time all season. But, uh, I think the competition level is going to be a little steeper this week.
The Pick: Man City, 5-0
Newcastle United vs. Arsenal
Newcastle United have, thus far, hardly looked like the stingy side that finished a surprising 4th place last year in the league, sitting a full 7 points outside the Top 4 at present. Arsenal, on the other hand, have looked as good if not better than their 2022-23 selves, which held the league lead for the vast majority of last season. That said, I wouldn't be shocked if the Toon Army feel a little better about this matchup than the Gunners do. It's a fixture that has tripped Arsenal up many a time in recent years, and this Newcastle team have depth, talent, and right now, urgency to win a big match. Arsenal have proven me wrong many times in this calendar year already, so I'm gunshy about predicting a loss for Arteta's squad, but I do think points might be shared at St. James' Park.
The Pick: Draw, 2-2
Luton Town vs. Liverpool
The combination of Luton Town's loss last week and Bournemouth's victory dropped the Hatters back into the relegation zone, meaning the bottom 3 spots are currently filled by the promoted Championship teams. Honestly, given Luton's vast disadvantage in resources, just being the sole promoted side to thrice avoid defeat thus far is an impressive feat. Know what would be a more impressive feat? Stunning Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool on Sunday morning. It'd be quite the story, but I really can't see it happening with the form the Reds are rounding into at the moment.
The Pick: Liverpool, 4-1
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea
Tottenham, for the third straight week, will play on abnormal day: their last three matches have gone Monday -> Friday -> Monday. This edition of Monday Night Football is a big one, though, as the league-leading Spurs play host to rivals Chelsea. The two clubs comprise one-third of the 'Big Six,' but Chelsea have hardly looked like a big club last season and thus far this season. There were signs of a turnaround for the Blues, but right as I was finally buying into them being back, they rapidly let their 2-0 lead over Arsenal slip, then followed that draw up by losing at home to Brentford. I do expect them to be better in a huge match, but I can't foresee THIS being the match that finally trips up Big Ange's Boys, especially in front of a raucous home crowd.
The Pick: Tottenham, 2-1
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