Matchweek 16 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 16 of 38. Here are a few of the games to help you out this weekend.
Liverpool vs. Southampton (Saturday 10 a.m. ET)
Liverpool host Southampton in a must-win game. They are eighth on the table and continue to drop points at home. This should be seen as a game; they can and should win. They do head into this weekend with a bit of momentum. They picked up a massive win at Hotspur stadium, but they have much work to do if they want to climb into European contention. They should see a bit of relief and positive regression. Statistically, they are performing better than their record suggestions. They lead the PL in xG and are in the top four in xGA. Goals are coming for them, especially with Mohamed Salah in form.
Southampton are poor defensively. They have an attack that can score goals, but trusting them to get a result in Anfield is a tall task. Not many teams can score one goal, let alone two, at Anfield. Southampton are conceding 1.7 goals per contest, and this weekend’s match could get ugly.
Prediction: Liverpool 3, Southampton 1
Tottenham vs. Leeds (Saturday 10 a.m. ET)
Antonio Kante has a problem on his hands. That is a weird statement to say for someone of a team in the top four, but Tottenham are sliding. They have lost three of their last four and seem to have gotten off track. Spurs fans shouldn’t be overly concerned with the results; most of the losses were to solid teams. However, the lack of scoring will catchup to them. Already down Dejan Kulusevski, losing Heung-Min Son for this weekend is another massive blow.
Luckily for the Spurs, they play a weak Leeds team. Leeds have lost three of their last five and Jesse Marsch’s club is closer to relegation than they are a top-half finish. They absorb a lot of pressure and give the ball away cheaply. They are also down seven regular players this weekend. It should be a comfortable win for Tottenham.
Prediction: Tottenham 2, Leeds 0
Newcastle vs Chelsea (Saturday 12:30 p.m. ET)
Is it time to start believing in Newcastle? I think so. Newcastle are third on the table and have shown week in and week out they are a force to be recon with. They impressively have improved defensively and their midfield can hold their own with anyone. Kieran Trippier has been phenomenal. And The EA Sports October player of the month Miguel Almirón, has been otherworldly, seven goals in his last seven games. Their success has allowed Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak not to rush back from injury.
Chelsea have been less than impressive since appointing Graham Potter. It’s a bit of misFortune or poor timing on his part. He hasn’t made them any better or worse. They still have the defensive structure from Thomas Tuchel, but they are down key players. He has made life better for them from a play style and locker room perspective. Yet, a happy locker room doesn’t always equal wins. It’s not totally time to press the panic button yet, but Newcastle probably win this one.
Prediction: Newcastle 1, Chelsea 0
