Matchweek 31 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 31 of 38.
Chelsea vs. Brighton (Saturday, 10 am ET)
This is an interesting match for Chelsea this week. It’s their third overall and second domestic match with new manager Frank Lampard. They lost both of the first two and failed to score a single goal. That’s been the problem with Chelsea all season. They have looked like a team who should and could score in bunches, but they are only averaging 0.97 goals per match. They are 11th on the table and out of European play for next season. Lampard’s second stint at the Bridge should only be seen as a stopgap.
Unfortunately for the hosts, they play a hungry Brighton side. Sitting on 46 points and seventh on the table, with two games in hand, they have a strong case for possible European play next season. They have won two of their last five with just one draw. In those matches, Brighton looked like a club that could come away with all three points.
It’s hard to trust Chelsea in any capacity, but I don’t think Brighton keep a clean sheet. There will be a match where Chelsea explodes. This could be it, but it’s too hard for me to trust them. So I’m backing a draw here.
Prediction: Chelsea 1, Brighton 1
Wolves vs. Brentford (Saturday, 10 am ET)
Wolves picked up a much-needed win over Chelsea in their hunt for Premier League safety. They are still a team with much work to do in the offseason should they want to actually fight for a top-five position. They only have an xG of 1.38, averaging just 0.8 goals scored per contest. They are much better at home this season than on the road. They only have a -6 goal differential at home compared to -12 on the road.
This week, they play a team in Brentford who have seemingly cooled off, only winning one of their past five matches. They don’t have the privilege of playing this match at Gtech Community Stadium, where they have one of the best home records. However, they could be in a prime position for a get-right spot against a struggling Wolves team.
Prediction: Wolves 1, Brentford 2
Manchester City vs. Leicester City (Saturday, 12:30 pm ET)
Manchester City are now just six points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. They are in the driver’s seat with a home match against Arsenal. Every match from here on out will be one where they must keep absolute focus. Luckily for Pep Guardiola‘s team, they are humming like a well-oiled machine. They are on a nine-match winning streak across all competitions.
This weekend they host a struggling Leicester City team. Leicester’s last win came back on February 11th against Tottenham. This team lacks effort and attacking prowess. They get boat-raced on the road in this one.
Prediction: Manchester City 4, Leicester City 0
