Matchweek 23 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 23 of 38.
Manchester City vs. Aston Villa (Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET)
After Arsenal lost to Everton, many Manchester City and Manchester United fans were eager to watch their teams climb the table, and their title chances become greater. Unfortunately for them, both City and United dropped points, leaving Arsenal with a five-point lead over City. To add insult to injury, City are now under investigation for breaking the financial fair-play rule. While the results from the investigation likely won’t come this season, Pep Guardiola and his team are under much pressure.
That pressure stems from how they are playing and the possibility of a rift in the locker room. Joao Cancelo was shipped to Germany after a possible separation between him and Guardiola. Kevin De Bruyne has recently been dropped from multiple starting XIs. That, coupled with underperforming, it’s clear that the remainder of the EPL season won’t be without its drama.
This week they must put the allegations behind them and play an Aston Villa side who have improved under Unai Emery. They are unbeaten in five of their last six and have improved on the defensive end. They were able to get a point from City in their previous match.
This will still be a difficult match to get points from. City win this by one. Either a clean sheet or 2-1.
Prediction: Manchester City 2, Aston Villa 1
Liverpool vs. Everton (Monday, 3 p.m. ET)
Liverpool are on the brink of an unprecedented fall down the table. They are currently 10th and have only won one in their last five matches. Three of those matches resulted in a loss. Their more embarrassing loss came last week at the hands of Wolves. They gave up two and could’ve possibly given up more. Conceding twice is one thing, but getting shutout is not great, especially against a side you needed to get three points against.
The Sean Dyche era for Everton started with a bang. They beat the league leaders Arsenal to the tune of 1-nil. They played solid football and picked up the win. In the relegation battle grabbing points in any way possible is the only focus of this team. They are still overmatched, but tactically they should keep Liverpool from exploding offensively.
Liverpool are due some positive regression. This might be the match where they see it.
Prediction: Liverpool 1, Everton 0
Arsenal vs. Manchester City (Wednesday, 2:15 p.m. ET)
Arsenal dropped points last week and were fortunate enough to maintain a strong lead on the PL table. Mikel Arteta has his team humming. At the Emirates, they are nearly unstoppable. They have an xGA that matches how strong they have been playing. Thomas Partey and Gabriel have been playing inspiring football. Bukayo Saka has taken the next step as well. This match will be tough—a classing tight battle between two teams who do not want to drop points. Don’t be surprised if this one ends nil-nil.
Prediction: Arsenal 1, Manchester City 1
