Premier League Predictions, Week 22
Welcome back to the weekly predictions, Premier League fans! If it feels like it's been a while since you've heard from me, you're not wrong, it's been a minute! The staggered winter breaks for teams and FA Cup action the past few days mean it's been over a fortnight since we last checked in. But we back, baby!
When you last heard from me, if you can even remember this far back, I got back on track in a major way. Much like Arsenal, I was in need of a big performance after my strong start to the season had fallen off in recent weeks. And speaking of Arsenal, they did me a solid by making good on my victory prediction, as did Liverpool and Manchester City, though the latter was far more nervy than I anticipated, and the former two both considerably more routine. Manchester United and Tottenham also played to an exciting 2-2 draw, exactly as I predicted. One less Chelsea goal or one Fulham goal in the first match of Week 21, and I would have matched my flawless feat I reached earlier this season. Alas, perfection is so hard to find. Nevertheless, my 4.5/5 week brought my season total back up to a stellar 50.5/77.
Now, the matches are less than 24 hours from kicking back off, so let's not waste any more time chasing flawlessness. Here are 4 for Week 22!
Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal
Arsenal's 5-0 lambasting of Crystal Palace two weeks ago was just what the doctor ordered for the Gunners, who had dropped 8 points out of their previous 9. Nottingham Forest are in somewhat dire straits, having sacked their manager, sitting a mere 3 points above the drop zone, and now facing rumors of an FA punishment due to financial misdeeds. I would expect them to come out with some real urgency at City Ground tomorrow as a result. I also don't expect that to be enough to beat a superior Arsenal side.
The Pick: Arsenal, 3-1
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United
Aston Villa have had a tough last month or so, picking up just 4 points from their last 12, and their sole win coming courtesy of a stoppage time penalty against relegation-threatened Burnley. Still, the Villains are clinging to 4th place, and have an opportunity to score a major win with last year's 4th-place team coming to town. The dream of returning to the Champions League might be slipping away from Newcastle, who haven't won a Premier League match in 45 days; the losing streak has seen the Magpies fall all the way to 10th place, even behind Chelsea. But, if they're going to complete the long climb back up, a result at the team 14 points ahead of them would be a great place to start. Villa are definitely more trustworthy at this point, but have shown signs of weakness since the holiday season, and I trust Newcastle will be fired up to avoid a 5th straights loss.
The Pick: Draw, 2-2
Manchester City vs. Burnley
Manchester City finally got Kevin de Bruyne back from injury, and he immediately helped engineer a late come-from-behind win at Newcastle (which is why many are calling him "the Belgian Darwin Núñez"). The 3-time reigning champs are within touching distance of the Premier League lead again, and on Wednesday will play hosts to one of the worst teams in the league. Let's not waste too much time with this one, shall we?
The Pick: Man City, 5-1
Liverpool vs. Chelsea
Off the pitch, it's heavy times for Liverpool. They've had to undergo a crazy rash of injuries already, then entered the new year seeing off their star player and newfound asset at defensive mid to continental tournaments, and then last Friday came the mother of all bombs: this will be Jürgen Klopp's last season at the helm. It's hard not to despair if you're a fan (and I am), but what's keeping everything in balance is what's happening ON the pitch. In the last week, the Reds booked a spot in the League Cup Final for the 2nd time in 3 years, as well as a spot in the FA Cup Round of 16. They also sit atop the league standings still, and yesterday, saw three starters return from injury. So there's plenty of cause to celebrate! Yet...this fixture looms large. Despite their relative mediocrity for the last several years, Chelsea has constantly troubled Liverpool. In 7 matchups over the last few seasons, the two teams have drawn every. single. time., meaning the Reds' last victory in the series came in September 2020. And even though this matchup is at Anfield and the hosts are healthier than they have been in a while, they are still missing one key piece: Mo Salah, who has contributed to the last 4 goals Liverpool has scored against Chelsea (2 goals, 2 assists). I want to be confident Liverpool wins this, but until I see them beat Chelsea, I kinda have to keep assuming it won't happen.
The Pick: Draw, 0-0
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