Premier League Predictions, Week 8

Welcome back to the weekly predictions, Premier League fans! It's been a long time away for us, but after the international break over the last 10 days or so, we're back in action this weekend. Whether your preferred flavor was Germany and Denmark qualifying for the World Cup, or the USA giving its fans PTSD from their failure to qualify 4 years ago, international break had something for all of us. But I think I speak for at least 20 other people when I say it's good to have Premier League football back.

On my last go-round at this, I largely redeemed myself from my prior putrid outing. My only mistake was underestimating the small "B" clubs that could; Brentford stunned West Ham on the road, and Brighton fought off Arsenal for a draw. Still, I got that Brentford-West Ham scoreline dead on at least, as well as the 1-1 draw between Manchester United and Everton. I also correctly predicted the City-Liverpool draw (though I did not accurately forecast just how thrilling a fixture it would be), and Chelsea's win over Southampton. That all was good enough for 4.5/5 on the week, which brings up my season total to 19.5/30.

But, the matches are less than 12 hours away from kicking back off, so let's not waste time congratulating myself. Here are your 5 for Week 8!

Watford vs. Liverpool

Considering the surprising quality of Brentford, and the unsurprising quality of Manchester City, Liverpool won't exactly be panicking from two draws in their last two matches. But the Reds will surely be eager to get 3 points for the first time in almost a month, and though Watford might represent an easy test on paper, I don't think the best recipe for a team hungry for a win is coming back form an international break with only 3 healthy midfielders, at a venue that last saw them lose 3-0 (and their perfect season in the process). Still, with the welcome returns of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota, I think Liverpool will have enough this weekend to avoid another trap game.

The Pick: Liverpool, 2-0

Leicester City vs. Manchester United

Nobody has carved out a spot as the 'bogey team' for as many big clubs as Leicester has, and Manchester United is not immune to that phenomenon. Although the Red Devils have gotten the last laugh the last couple seasons with regards to Champions League placement, the Foxes have gotten the better of them in their last 3 matchups in all competitions. Still, though we've seen the same Manchester United so far (wildly high potential, wildly inconsistent), this is not the same Leicester City. In the last three seasons, I definitely would have put United on upset watch, but I think they take this one, perhaps even comfortably.

The Pick: Manchester United, 2-0

Manchester City vs. Burnley

A few weeks ago, things looked a little dicey for the defending champions. They had already dropped points in two matches, and were staring at a brutal stech of three straight away games at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and Liverpool. Then, City came through that sequence with 4 points out of 6 in the Premier League, and while they lost at PSG, they looked the superior side for most of the clash. To be through what will undoubtedly be the hardest stretch of their season already, and with 4 huge points to boot....well, I think it's safe to see Manchester City is back. Burnley is often a team capable of causing issues for better teams, but not this time.

The Pick: Manchester City, 5-1

Brentford vs. Chelsea

Brentford has proven ample times already they can cause even the best teams serious problems, especially in front of home support. I'd be pretty surprised to see first place Chelsea lose here, but would not be surprised in the least to see them drop points.

The Pick: Draw, 2-2

Everton vs. West Ham United

Along with Brentford and Brighton, these two comprise the toast of the 'next tier.' Everton has particularly been impressive under new manager Rafa Benitez. With a home crowd and a healthier team, I think the Toffees eke one out this weekend.

The Pick: Everton, 1-0