Matchweek 11 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 11 of 38.
Tottenham vs. Everton (Saturday 12:30 PM)
Saturday night in London, the Spurs take on the Toffees. This match should favor Tottenham. If the Las Vegas line of -195 indicates how the match will go, Tottenham should win this one. Should they be a -195 favorite? I don’t think so. They struggle in the midfield to create and often rely too heavily on Harry Kane.
Looking at Everton, they have exceeded expectations. At least those that I had on them. Them picking 10 points at this point of the season is a feat. Their tactics try and mask their inefficiencies on defense. They are towards the bottom with an xGA of 1.94 but only conceded one goal per game. It’s hard to score on them with the way they play.
Tottenham will be lucky to keep Everton out. They will also be lucky to score more than two. I have them winning by one, by the score of 2-1.
Prediction: Tottenham 2, Everton 1
Manchester United vs. Newcastle (Sunday, 9 AM)
Manchester United fans must be ready to fire the Glazers, blow the team up, and start fresh. The addition of Antony has been nice, but they must find a new home from Ronaldo this January and figure out how to run Erik ten Hag’s system. They are still fifth and just one game out of a Champions League spot. They are one of three teams in the top 10 who have a negative goal differential. I’m not entirely sure what United need to improve; luckily, the teams behind them aren’t all that great.
Newcastle certainly have improved since the start of last season. Realistically they could challenge for a top-six spot. They brought in guys like Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, and Alexander Isak. Those guys have made them tick. Even Sven Botman and Matt Targett have made impressions.
This match could end 0-0 or 1-1. It’s hard to know which United team shows up. I’m going to go on a limb and say the United probably don’t get all three points this weekend, with Newcastle probably winning.
Prediction: Manchester United 2, Newcastle 2
Leeds United vs. Arsenal (Sunday, 9 AM)
Leeds and Arsenal this weekend provide fun from a betting perspective. The total is set at 3, but the last three EPL matches have seen at least three goals. Arsenal have improved defensively, so I’d be shocked to see Leeds score more than one, but I expect them to find the back of the net. However, I wouldn’t want to bet against Arsenal in their current form.
Arsenal sit at the top of the table, just a few months after finishing outside the top four. For them, it was an epic collapse that kept them from playing in the Champions League this season. Their offseason moves were great, and they play as a cohesive unit—another game where they should get the result.
Prediction: Leeds 1, Arsenal 3
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea (Sunday, 9 AM)
This Aston Villa team has struggled so far this season. With their talent, I would’ve had them pegged for a top-10 team, yet teams like Bournemouth and Everton are outperforming them. Their biggest problem comes from the lack of quality in front of net. Honestly, they are lucky to have a win on the season. They get into good positions, yet they cannot finish. This week they play a Chelsea side who have improved so much in such a short time under Graham Potter.
Chelsea are finally on a winning streak. Potter has his team playing inspired free-flowing football. They are getting their wings forward and involved in the attack. They are fun and honestly undervalued in this spot. I know they should have their way with Villa, and Villa probably will struggle to score again. I’m backing the Blues here to win and keep the clean sheet.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0, Chelsea 2
Liverpool vs. Manchester City (Sunday, 11:30 AM)
Oh yes! The back that everyone has been waiting for. Unfortunately, it’s not one versus two, which everyone wanted. City is second on the table, and Liverpool is 10th. It’s a sad time for Liverpool. They are banged up and have struggled defensively. Their metrics say wins should be coming, but they still only have two wins on the season.
This game should be one that Manchester City dominates. They lead the league in the fewest goals allowed and xGA. They should win the midfield battle with Rodi and Kevin De Bruyne. Most importantly, they have two of the best forwards in football with, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. Haaland’s 15 goals this season is more than 13 teams in the EPL. Give me everything City this weekend.
Prediction: Liverpool 2, Manchester City 3