Matchweek 27 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 27 of 38.
Leeds vs. Brighton (Saturday, 10 am ET)
What a difference a new manager has made for both of these clubs. Javi Gracia has helped Leeds improve defensively. Roberto De Zerbi has helped Brighton improve on both sides of the ball and gives them the look of a club who could realistically play in European competition next season. The problem for Leeds isn’t their lack of defense; it’s their inability to score. They have young talent but have failed to score far too many times under Gracia.
Leeds also would love to pick up a win here, but I don’t see a win in their future. They have just one win in their last 12. They don’t score, which will be an issue against a tough Brighton side. The Seagulls have just one loss in their previous five. They are eighth on the table and have been playing such inspired football. They win and probably keep a clean sheet.
Prediction: Leeds 0, Brighton 1
Leicester City vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 10 am ET)
Brendan Rodgers has a problem on his hands this weekend. They have the advantage of playing this game at home at King Power Stadium, but they play a finally in-form Chelsea. The Blues defeated Leeds on the weekend and then beat Dortmund to advance to the round of eight in their Champions League midweek fixture. They should have the confidence to find success this weekend.
I’d be pretty shocked to see Leicester score this weekend. Chelsea have nearly fixed their back line and have been digging deep. Health is wealth for the Blues as they attempt to move up the table. They know a win here could help them challenge for a Europa spot this season. Leicester only average 1.49 goals scored per game. Their attack could be without Harvey Barnes. He’s such a great facilitator; it could make their already limited attack anemic.
Whether Chelsea win this one or not, I don’t see many goals in this one. A narrow Chelsea victory should be in the cards.
Prediction: Leicester City 0, Chelsea 1
Newcastle vs. Wolves (Sunday, 12:30 pm ET)
This might be the most unpredictable match of the weekend. Both teams are under teams, meaning there aren’t many goals in their games. Newcastle have the best record for a few goals, but their problem is that they also struggle to score. The calendar year has not been kind for them. They are winless in their last five, going 0-2-3. They are sliding down the table. They have scored just three goals in their previous seven matches. They are 14th in xG in the calendar year.
Luckily for Newcastle, they are playing a Wolves side who also struggles to score. They are tied for the lowest goals scored per match at 0.73. On the road, that number drops to 0.62. Newcastle will probably keep a clean sheet this weekend. They most likely will win.
Prediction: Newcastle 1, Wolves 0
