Matchweek 10 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 10 of 38.
Brighton vs. Tottenham (Saturday, at 12:30 pm ET)
Who would’ve thought that nearly 10 games in Brighton would be fourth on the table and have an early grip on European qualification? Much of that has to do with the style of football Graham Potter implemented. Potter has moved to Chelsea, and Brighton appointed Roberto De Zerbi, the former Sassuolo manager. It seems that after one match, De Zerbi has implemented the style he so famously used at Sassuolo. Their games should be far more entertaining. It will take some time to see if they drop in quality.
Tottenham have been an interesting bunch. They started out the gates fast and furious. Yet, they have seemed to slow down a bit. Antonio Conte isn’t concerned yet. However, there should be some concerns from the Spurs faithful. Their attack is lackluster, and their midfield hasn’t done them any favors. They are particularly worse away from home.
This match should be free-flowing. If the Brighton vs. Liverpool match indicated how Brighton will play from now on, goals will be had.
Prediction: Brighton 2, Tottenham 2
Crystal Palace vs. Leeds (Sunday, 9 am ET)
Throughout the start of the season, I’ve wondered why Palace isn’t getting the results we deserve. It feels that Patrick Vierra’s side has improved since the middle of last season, but they aren’t getting the results. They are 17th on the table with a GD of -3. With only one win, they need to figure out their issues, or they could be relegated.
Leeds have had mixed results this season. They started the season great, then due to a few injuries, they have begun to slide. The goals are there for them, but they must do better in defense. Matched up against Palace, it will be interesting to see if they can get a result. Over the past two years, they have yet to lose to Palace. Without a win at Selhurst over those two years, this leads me to believe we see a low-scoring game. I’d imagine we see a 0-0 or 1-1 finish. Backing the draw makes sense here.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1, Leeds 1
Arsenal vs. Liverpool (Sunday, 11:30 am ET)
Both Arsenal and Liverpool had midweek European fixtures. Arsenal are in Europa and Liverpool Champions League. While Liverpool played their stars for long bits, Arsenal would be wise to prioritize their EPL fixture over their Europa match. While being on top of the table, winning and getting results in the EPL is important.
Offensively, they have improved. Their attack is something to marvel at, and defensively is what should be celebrated. Compared to last season, their backline is excellent. They have a GD of +12, and they are a team who should finish inside the top 4.
Liverpool have had a rough start to the season. They are ninth on the table and have only won two matches this season. Health was one of their big issues. However, it’s bigger than that. They seem to have been playing disjointed defensively. They were almost a shoo-in as a team to compete with Manchester City for the title. They need to improve. Where that improvement comes from would likely be from the midfield.
Arsenal have struggled against Liverpool. They haven’t scored a goal in their last six meetings. They haven’t won since July 15th, 2020. I’m interested in how Arsenal adjusts to the congested schedule and tired legs.
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Liverpool 3
Everton vs. Manchester United (Sunday, 2 pm ET)
A battle of teams who have underwhelmed this season but seem. Everton have finally picked their first two wins of the season. They still don’t have the quality of a side I would trust. Despite not committing bodies forward and not having attacking quality, they don’t have the worst advanced metrics in terms of attacking. They have an xG of 1.51 and have only scored seven goals. They still need more quality, but it suggests they are due goals, which could be the reason why they were able to get their first two wins finally.
United still have time before they are a team that I would trust too often. They are sixth on the table, but defensively they must improve. They were shown the door in their match against City. While they were able to score three goals in the second half, they were absolutely embarrassed in the first half. Are we ready to trust that team to keep a clean sheet on the road? The next question is, can we trust them to score more than one goal? I’d likely answer no to that question as well.
Prediction: Everton 1, Manchester United 1
Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa (Monday, 3 pm ET)
What a match of confusion we have for the final Predictor selection. Nottingham Forest are not good. It comes into question if Steve Cooper will be sacked soon. There were high hopes for Forest after a busy summer transfer window. However, they are on the bottom of the table with just one win and one draw. They only have an x G of 1.03 and have only scored six goals. Their GD of -21 is the worst in the EPL. They offer very little moving forward and it seems they need either a personal change or a change in their tactics.
Aston Villa haven’t been great this season. They have struggled to find goals. Whether it be a lack of creativity or a lack of quality, they haven’t done the job in front of net. They are on a three-match unbeaten streak and that should probably continue this weekend. With how poor Forest are in defense, Villa should see multiple goals.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0, Aston Villa 2