Premier League Predictions, Week 14/15

Welcome back to the weekly predictions, Premier League fans! This is it- we've reached the conclusion of the 'Fall season' of the Premier League. This weekend's slate of matches are the last thing standing between soccer fans and the 2022 World Cup, and the month-plus hiatus instituted for all clubs will provide a rejuvenation period for some, but perhaps a momentum-destroyer for others.

Last week for my predictions was not bad, but not great. I (unsurprisingly) was right about Manchester City beating Fulham, and between predicting Aston Villa would take at least some points off of Manchester United and almost nailing the big Newcastle scoreline, am giving myself an extra 1.5 points there. However, though I was delighted to be wrong, I completely missed on Arsenal and Liverpool's big wins over Chelsea and Tottenham, respectively. That was good enough for a 2.5/5 week, bringing my season total to an acceptable 24/45.

But hey, the games are less than 12 hours away, so no time for regretting being of such little faith. Here are your 5 for the last Premier League predictions for over a month!

Manchester City vs. Brentford

It seems like the last several Premier League weekends have begun with Manchester City snacking on an overmatched opponent. Things will be no different this time around, as Haaland and co. will feast on an attack-forward-but-defensively-susceptible Brentford side.

The Pick: Man City, 5-2

Liverpool vs. Southampton

My streak of being completely unable to predict this Liverpool team this season continued, with the Reds somehow pulling a road win at 3rd-placed Tottenham out of their bag. I have no idea what to make of this side at this point; every time I think they've figured it out, they drop points, and vice versa. On paper, there is absolutely no reason for them to not win easily at home on Saturday. Yet, between their lackluster track record against lower-ranked sides, clubs playing their first match with a new manager, and their shock loss to Leeds finally piercing the air of invincibility that had existed with Premier League matches at Anfield, I can't in good conscience predict a victory.

The Pick: Draw, 2-2

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Leeds United

There must be something about this Leeds team-- or just perhaps Jesse Marsch himself --that responds best when their back is against the wall. The shock win at Anfield, immediately followed by a dramatic 3-goal comeback victory against Bournemouth was reminiscent of their great escape from relegation last season. Still, the road doesn't get any easier from here, as they now go on the road to face a Big 6 club yet again, and though Leeds at their best could absolutely challenge Tottenham, I think Spurs' desperation for a victory will win the day.

The Pick: Tottenham, 3-1

Newcastle United vs. Chelsea

When they were bought by an entire nation whose wealth dwarfed literally all other clubs’ owners, it felt inevitable that Newcastle would eventually join the “big boys” in the top of the Premier League. What has been a surprise to most is just how quickly they’ve gotten there. Still a long ways to go, obviously, but the Magpies are in 3rd place, and are playing like a bona fide contender, hanging with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, and demolishing everyone else behind them. It seems crazy to say, but their form and identity both trump Chelsea’s at the moment, and they have home-field advantage… not only should Newcastle be favored in this matchup, I think they go and win it.

The Pick: Newcastle, 2-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Arsenal

The prospect of entering the Winter Break as the #1 team in the Premier League has to be tantalizing for Arsenal. Away at Wolves is a perennial "trap game" for any top team, and the Arsenal of years past would have absolutely fallen in that trap. But the most obvious difference with these Gunners and those that came before them is their mental toughness; it's hard to beat them, and if you do, it's hard to keep them down for long. With that in mind, I think they grit out a tough one in the Molineux.

The Pick: Arsenal, 2-2