Matchweek 07 of the Premier League Season is here, and we once again try and take down the $50,000 prize by playing Premier League Pick Em’ on the NBC Sports Predictor App. NBC Sports Predictor is a sports app that gives you a chance to win huge cash prizes by simply making predictions on the games. This article is a guide to help you think about each match. This week we navigate through Matchday 07 of 38.
Manchester City vs. Tottenham (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET) on USA Network
This will likely be one of the more anticipated matches of the season. Both teams have gotten off to a start this season. Neither have registered a loss and are two and three on the table. In the away leg last season, Tottenham smacked Manchester City in the mouth early on the counter. Tottenham won 3-2 on just six shots. City won the xG battle but was second best on the score line.
Both teams had midweek Champions League fixtures. They will have tired legs, but both know how important this match will be. I expect the match to be similar to the last leg last season. City will take a lot of shots and own possession. This time Erling Haaland will be the darling who will bury the shots.
Prediction: Manchester City 2, Tottenham 1
West Ham vs. Newcastle (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET) on USA Network
West Ham have gotten off to a nightmare start. They now sit in the relegation zone with only one win and three goals. They are tied with Wolves with the fewest goals in the Premier League. They have struggled to score and create quality looks. Their average x G of 1.06 suggests they might be in trouble this season.
They host a Newcastle side who have the talent to compete. They have won just one match, but their four draws this season does show some promise. They are battling injury but have lacked the defensive quality to see games out and pick up wins.
Newcastle have spent a great deal of money over the past two seasons to improve the quality in their sides. The money they have spent and the players they have added have made them a threat every game they play.
This game should see goals; I don’t trust Newcastle the defense. They have one of the worse xGAs in the EPL.
Prediction: West Ham 2, Newcastle 2
Arsenal vs. Everton (Sunday at 9 a.m. ET) on Peacock
Arsenal remain atop the table despite losing Man United in their last match. They are one of the leaders in goals scored and will remain one of the leaders this season mainly due to the quality they signed in the offseason.
They have been pushing forward and using their pace to beat their opponents. At times their desire to push forward with pace is their downfall. However, with each player’s individual quality, it’s only a matter of time before they play more together and become better as a team.
Everton have started the season without a win. Frank Lampard would likely be pleased with their four draws on the season. They lack a serious goal threat, and their defense has a few banged-up players.
What remains supreme is Arsenal’s defense. They have held opponents out well and have a low xGA to match. It would take a moment of brilliance for Everton to score. I am backing Arsenal to win and keep a clean sheet.
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Everton 0
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United (Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET) on USA Network
Palace have had a decent start to the season with everything that happened in the preseason. They have the talent and have grown as a team this offseason. They must shake off the cobwebs after conceding a late equalizing goal to Brentford.
WilFred Zaha expressed his displeasure with their tactics when they get a lead. It might be something those under Patrick Vieira dislike most about his tactics. When they get up, they sit on the lead.
Manchester United have improved since the start of the season. In the first two games, they looked like a club lost on the pitch and one that could not keep defensive continuity. Now in their last four matches, they have played together and look the part of a top-four club.
It will be had for either team to score goals this game.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1, Manchester United 1
Leeds United vs. Nottingham Forest (Monday at 3 p.m. ET) on USA Network
Leeds United have some glimpses of a side who have improved while still looking like a club who will struggle this season. After their big 3-nil win over Chelsea, they have dropped points in three straight and were handed a 5-2 thwarting by Brentford. They lost Rodrigo to injury, which might have changed their approach to the game.
Nottingham Forest have made several summer signings in hopes of being a club that stays up next season. With just one win on the season, they are 19th on the table and don’t look like the side with much quality. This could be a future battle of relegation, so these points matter. Yet, I don’t think either club has enough quality to keep the other one out.
Prediction: Leeds 3, Nottingham 2
