Matchday 12 EPL Predictions
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With the last international break of the year all done and dusted, it is now time to look to the Premier League for probably the most vital period of the season. Every year the Champions make their move here. We saw it last year with City so who will it be this year?
Leicester City vs Chelsea
Leicester City has had a strange start to the season after being on the end of some good results against the likes of Manchester United and Brentford and some very poor results against West Ham and Brighton. On the other hand, Chelsea have been simply brilliant as they sit pretty on the top of the league. Whilst they did share the points with Burnley in their last game, the inclusion of Lukaku should be enough to help Chelsea secure the points. That is, as long as the in-form Youri Tielemans is shut down.
Chelsea 2–0
Newcastle vs Brentford
Despite Brentford’s exciting start to the season, they have since lost their last two games 2–1 at home to Leicester City and Norwich. Meanwhile, Newcastle look somewhat revitalised with their new ownership having drawn with both Brighton and Crystal Palace away. Their fans also seem to be up and about since the new ownership which can only benefit the Magpies. Callum Wilson’s return has also really helped their attacking forces. I think the duo of Wilson and Saint-Maximin will be too much for Brentford’s fragile defence. I’m going for an upset here.
Newcastle 2–1
Burnley vs Crystal Palace
As insane as this sounds, over the last two weeks of the Premier League, Burnley and Palace would probably be the most in-form sides. Burnley managed to pick up a 1–1 draw against leaders Chelsea which followed their massive 3–1 win to Brentford. On the other hand, Palace beat title favourites Manchester City away 2–0 in the biggest upset of the season before beating Wolves the week later. Since both teams have looked really good defensively of late whilst still showing some attacking flair, I think both sides will score a goal each. Both sides also draw the most out of any other teams in the league so I think it’ll be 1–1.
1–1 draw
Aston Villa vs Brighton
So far this season, Brighton has probably been one of the most surprising teams whilst Aston Villa have been one of the most disappointing teams. Brighton’s dynamic attack with guys like Trossard and Mwepu in conjunction with their already solid defence has really helped them. Even more importantly, Bissouma manages to turn defence into attack just about as well as anyone else in the league. Had this game been a couple of weeks ago, I definitely would have said Brighton would win but with new coaches usually comes strange results. Therefore, I think Villa will win against all odds with the players very motivated thanks to Gerrard.
Aston Villa 3–1
Watford vs Manchester United
Both sides have had very poor starts to the season for what they would have been hoping for. On one hand, Watford have the most losses in the league whilst on the other United have only won one of their last five games. Whilst United have the far better squad, something tells me the players have no interest in Ole being at the wheel anymore. So do I think they’ll tank to an extent? Yes, but only by not putting in 100%. I think Ole will leave after this game.
1–1 draw
Wolverhampton vs West Ham
This is a super intriguing match at Molineux. Both teams are having relatively successful seasons where they look terrific defensively. To illustrate this, neither team has conceded more than 3 goals in a game all season. Even though Wolves have the home ground advantage, West Ham’s form in conjunction with their better squad should see them through. They are on a dream run.
West Ham 2–0
Norwich vs Southampton
Both the Canaries and Saints have had underwhelming starts to the season. However, both sides seem to be going through a resurgent of such. Norwich have recently employed Dean Smith directly after their first win of the season against the Bees. In comparison, Southampton have won 3 of their last 4 games thanks to a rise in form for their defence. Based off form and their squad, Southampton should win but there’s something about new coaches. I think Norwich get the job done at home here.
Norwich 2–1
Liverpool vs Arsenal
What a cracker this is. The better side, Liverpool have had a bit of a poor run of form recently having drawn to Brighton at home and losing to West Ham away whilst the Gunners have had an amazing run of form since their first few games. This has led to them being undefeated in 8 straight games in the Premier League. Their attack has looked terrific headlined by the in-form Emile Smith-Rowe and they are now very hard to score against thanks to some fantastic goalkeeping from Aaron Ramsdale of late. In saying this, Liverpool are a world-class side and are unlikely to lose at home to an inferior side.
1–1 draw
Man City vs Everton
Whilst City haven’t looked the best this year, their recent win against United highlighted how good they really are. In the meantime, Everton are having a bit of a bad run having lost three of their last four games. Whilst I do think Everton’s counter-attacking style should trouble City, Guardiola’s controlled play with Rodri at the centre should be enough to secure the points.
Man City 3–1
Tottenham vs Leeds United
Here is another match between two sides that would be very disappointed with how their season has gone. However, now that Conte is at the helm, I think Tottenham should be able to use their talent well. Furthermore, Harry Kane seems to have had a bit of a resurgence of form after scoring multiple goals in the International break. With Kane scoring more goals and their defence improving with Conte as coach, Tottenham should get an easy win.
Tottenham 3–0
