Premier League Predictions, Week 6

Welcome back to your Premier League predictions! We saw the return of glorious Champions League football and slightly-less glorious Europa League football this week, and those wonderful (albeit sadly empty-stadium'd) European nights provide a nice bridge between Premier League weekends. But it's back to English shores we go, and if you thought the arrival of European football would stall the Premier League craziness, boy, were you wrong.

The madness of the Premier League in 2020 could be summed up in one single match, last weekend's Merseyside Derby. In just over 90 minutes, Everton and Liverpool, two of the top teams in the league, fought to a pulsating 2-2 draw that saw some fantastic goals, a clear red card inexcusably not given, a clear red card given, a star player suffer likely a season-ending injury, and a stoppage-time winner...that was then called off by VAR due to a phantom offsides. When the dust cleared, champions Liverpool, who undoubtedly should have had a much-needed 3 points, instead were left with just the 1 and also missing their best player. No single match could top those fireworks, but between Chelsea twice blowing a 2-goal lead, Manchester United scoring three goals in the final 10 minutes to seal victory, and West Ham scoring three goals in the final 10 minutes to claim a draw, there were some hella good candidates. The craziness hasn't showed signs of stopping, either; Week 6 began earlier today with previously undefeated Aston Villa getting shredded at home by newbies Leeds United.

Fittingly, my attempts to predict what's going to happen in this loopy season were once again off the mark. I give myself a little credit for at least anticipating a Manchester City victory over Arsenal, and more credit for predicting the high-scoring draw between Tottenham and West Ham. But, I whiffed on my Everton, Leicester and Leeds picks. So my mediocre week takes me to an ugly 12.5/20 on the season.

Now, the matches have already started, so let's not waste any more time wallowing in despair. Here are your 5 for Week 6!

West Ham vs. Manchester City

West Ham’s good form seemed to be all for naught, as they found themselves 3-0 down just 15 minutes into their match with Tottenham. They still were down by that margin going into the 82nd minute, but two goals and a Manuel Lanzini wonderstrike later, they’d made out of North London with a stunning (and crucial) point. Unfortunately for them, the quality of opponent picks up ever so slightly when Manchester City comes to town. City has yet to look like themselves this season, but got a win they were desperate for over a good Arsenal side, and did so without the injured Kevin De Bruyne. West Ham’s improved play is no joke, and this will be a test for City, but I just can’t see them dropping points in this match.

The Pick: Manchester City, 2-1

Manchester United vs. Chelsea

These two blockbuster clubs have certainly played in some can’t-miss matches this season, but I think it’s probably safe to say neither has made the start to the year that they would have hoped for. Chelsea has won just 2 of their first 5 after their summer full of high-dollar spending. Manchester United have won the same amount after their summer of high-dollar not-spending. Both have showed blasts of brilliance in attack, but unreliability at the back, which isn’t exactly new from last year. United have suffered the more humiliating losses of the two, but, between their surging win over Newcastle last weekend and their champions league stunner at PSG, they also have the clear positive momentum. For this reason, I like United tomorrow.

The Pick: Manchester United, 2-1

Liverpool vs. Sheffield United

I didn't think Liverpool, one of the most consistent teams in Premier League history over the last two seasons, would be the team I can't seem to predict correctly this year, but here we are. When I confidently proclaimed their perfect season wouldn't end at the hands of Aston Villa, they promptly lost by 5 goals. When I forlornly predicted Everton to take the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool drew them (and with a competent officiating crew, beats them). So I dread predicting them to beat Sheffield United knowing that doing so will likely result in an ugly draw or loss for the Reds. But I just don't see how the Blades, who have just 1 point from 15 are going to snag points at Anfield tomorrow; yes, Liverpool are shorthanded especially in the backline, but Sheffield simply do not have the attacking prowess to take advantage of that. It may be competitive, could be gritty, but I think Liverpool pull through tomorrow.

The Pick: Liverpool, 1-0

Southampton vs. Everton

Thanks to horrendously dirty tackles, and hapless displays of officiating, Everton were able to hang on their lead atop the Premier League table. That's not biased saltiness, I'm legitimately just calling it like it is. They have a good shot at maintaining their unbeaten start to the season against a shaky Southampton side, despite the latter also coming off a good result (a 3-3 fightback draw at Chelsea). I dunno, they'll probably win. But I'm feeling vengeful, and am going with karma coming around on the Toffees. Unleash Danny Ings!!!

The Pick: Southampton, 4-2

Arsenal vs. Leicester City

It's always fun when these two get together; I can't think of any matchup between these two that didn't see multiple goals scored. Admittedly, though, the timing of this one is a bit of a letdown. Just a couple weeks ago, this could have feasibly been a top-of-the-table clash, but two consecutive upset losses by Leicester, and Arsenal's pedestrian loss to Manchester City have thrown a wrench in those plans. Still, it's two clubs currently in the Top 6, capable of finishing in Champions League qualification this season, and now, hungry for a win. This is barely even insightful to say in a season as wild as this one, but this feels like one of those that could render just about any result, and I wouldn't be surprised. In terms of overall form, and home-field advantage (to the extent that it matters sans a crowd), it's advantage Arsenal. But Leicester seems to be the Gunners' bogey team, and the fact that the Foxes will be desperate to return to winning ways make me think they'll ultimately share points this weekend.

The Pick: Draw, 1-1