Premier League Predictions, Week 12

Welcome back to the weekly predictions, Premier League fans! Like all of the world-class athletes we cheer for, we took a break to enjoy some international matches. But, now that the smoke has cleared from "Dos A Cero Part Cinco," it's time to turn our attention back to the Premier League.

Two weeks ago, I had yet another mediocre outing. I did predict Manchester City's derby win over United, and Arsenal's win over Watford, arguably the two easiest predictions of the week. I also correctly forecasted the upset that West Ham would take points off of Liverpool. However, I didn't think they would go ahead and win the damn thing, so I only get half credit for that. Furthermore, I didn't account for Burnley surprising Chelsea, nor Everton and Tottenham splitting the spoils. So all in all, I amounted to yet another 2.5/5 week, which brings my season total to 29.5/50. Scoring at 59% is not what I wanted at this point in the season!

But, the matches are less than 24 hours away from kicking back off, so let's not waste time demanding a recount. It's been a busy week at work, and I've been short on time, so I'm going to keep these previews to two sentences or less this week. Here are your 5 for Week 12!

Leicester City vs. Chelsea

Just before the international break, 'bad Leicester' started to show up again, and that's horrible timing as they prepare to face Chelsea. The Foxes will test the Blues, even break through that vaunted back line, but won't be enough to knock off the league leaders.

The Pick: Chelsea, 2-1

Watford vs. Manchester United

4 points from their last 15 is nightmarish stuff by Manchester United's standards, but the international break came at a good time for them. A likely rejuvenated Red Devils squad will explode back out of the gates against a side whose defense is ill-equipped to handle a quality attacking front.

The Pick: Man United, 5-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. West Ham United

West Ham's flying high after their potentially season-defining win over Liverpool, but they may be caught by surprise on the road against a quietly much-improved Wolves squad.

The Pick: Draw, 1-1

Liverpool vs. Arsenal

In any previous time in the Klopp era, even in the midst of Liverpool's injury-ridden 2020-21 campaign, this was a surefire Reds victory. But with a suddenly fraught Liverpool defense and a suddenly steady, solid Arsenal side, this has draw written all over it.

The Pick: Draw, 1-1

Manchester City vs. Everton

Everton has been a bogey team for City before, and manager Rafa Benitez has a knack for getting his teams to pull off major upsets. But you can't pick against a side of City's caliber, especially coming back from a two-week layoff.

The Pick: Man City, 3-1