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The NBC Sports Predictor App is an app that gives you a chance at winning $50,000 just by picking the outcomes of each Premier League game. With Matchday 34 of 38 upon us, Liverpool were the EPL table toppers for the briefest of moments. With their monster win over Manchester United, they had a two-point lead over Manchester City. City responded with a decisive victory over Brighton to take back their one-point lead over City. Both teams should have decisive victories; City with the easier of the two matches, but both are against bottom-of-the-table teams. In this article, I will give a rough prediction of what I think will have in this weekend’s matches.
Arsenal vs Manchester United (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Arsenal are coming into this match with a bit of momentum after their 2-4 road win during the London Derby with Chelsea. Arteta’s side were able to end their skid and put their injuries and defensive woes behind them. This week they host United, who were embarrassed by Liverpool in their midweek fixture. Much like Arsenal, United have injury issues they must deal with. This is a tough one to predict. Neither side are very sound defensively. With the injuries to their defense, United on the road are probably the most significant liability.
On top of that, they seriously lack offensive continuity. I would have to side with Arsenal at home on this one. Their pace in the final third could give United problems.
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Manchester United 1
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Leicester City vs Aston Villa (Saturday 10 a.m. ET)
When thinking about Leicester matches, the first thought that comes to mind is how porous their defense had been. It could lead you to instantly back the other team or think of ways to fade Leicester. When in fact, their defense has improved. Much of that has to do with their squad finally getting healthy. Wesley Fofana played well in his start against Everton. In all honesty, their entire defense played well. Had it not been for a 92nd-minute goal by Richarlison, they likely would’ve kept a clean sheet. Aston Villa are on a bit of a skid; they have just one win in their last five matches. They were shut out in two of those, both of which were on the road. The key for Leicester is Fofana. If he’s in, you’d think surely; they will keep Villa out the back of their net. I will have to back the xG numbers here and think Villa score. It’s up to Leicester to outscore them.
Prediction: Leicester City 2, Aston Villa 1
Manchester City vs Watford (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET)
City arguably have a more manageable schedule to end the season than Liverpool. A home match against one of the league’s worst teams is precisely what you’d want if you were in a tight title race. I don’t think this match will be close. Watford are conceding 1.94 goals per match, and City are scoring 2.34, with 2.81 at home. Roy Hodgson will have the squad sit back, absorb pressure, defend and try to catch City on the break. That doesn’t work against a tactically strong team. City should net at least three. They are likely to get a fourth cheeky goal. If you are into backing anytime scorer props, it’s a good idea to back many City players in this game. In the last three fixtures between the two sides, City has won 3-1, 4-0, and 8-0.
Prediction: Manchester City 4, Watford 0
Norwich City vs Newcastle (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET)
Norwich have accepted their fate. They are headed down to the Championship flight. They will likely flip spots with Fulham once again. Despite heading down to the bottom division, Dean Smith should be proud of his squad for their effort in their last three matches. They scored four goals and picked up four points. Their most impressive match was a 2-nil win against Burnley. This week they face off against a Newcastle side who have undoubtedly made improvements since the January transfer window. Newcastle are 11th on the table and safe from relegation. Before the start of the season, middle-of-the-table placement would’ve been a dream for them. They have won three straight matches; they kept clean sheets in two. One thing Norwich have struggled with all season has been their offense, their inability to score. Newcastle have done well defensively. I see another clean sheet in Newcastle’s future. I like them to win by multiple goals due to Norwich’s 1.78 xGA at home and Newcastle’s improved defense.
Prediction: Norwich 0, Newcastle 2
Brentford vs Tottenham (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET)
If there were one match I wish I could avoid on the NBC Sports Predictor, it would be this match. Both teams come into this match scorching. Brentford have won four of their last five and five of their previous six. While Tottenham have also won four of their last five and six of their previous seven. What terrifies me are the Bees at home. After Tottenham’s embarrassing 1-nil loss at Brighton, it’s hard to trust them on the road again. I have faith that Antonio Conte’s side will come hungry against the Bees. They are in a tight battle with Arsenal for the fourth and final Champions League berth. Tottenham have won both head-to-heads 2-nil. Something tells me this match is just a bit more open and the Bees put up a serious fight.
Prediction: Brentford 2, Tottenham 2
Burnley vs Wolves (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET)
Burnley are coming off a big win over Southampton and a much-needed draw against West Ham. There is a strong chance for them to fight off relegation. They are just one point clear behind Everton, who have a challenging game against Liverpool. Despite Burnley’s issues all season, they have been a tough out at home. If you only look at the home tables, Burnley are 16th and safe from relegation. It’s all predicated on their defense. They are allowing just 1.25 goals per home match, in comparison to 1.56. They face off with a Wolves team who is equally defensively sound. They are allowing just 0.75 goals per match on the road. Both Wolves and Burnley are top in the EPL in games under 2.5 goals. With both teams’ solid defense and not spectacular offense, we have a good shot at this match ending 0-0.
Prediction: Burnley 0, Wolves 0
Chelsea vs West Ham (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET)
Sunday’s match will be an interesting one for West Ham. While they want to compete for a top-6 place, they have an essential Europa Conference fixture with Frankfurt on Thursday. With the semi-finals just days away, it’s hard to think West Ham would be entirely focused on their match with Chelsea. David Moyes can’t be thrilled with their recent run of form domestically. They have just one Premier League win in the last month and suffered a loss in what could be thought as a “must-win” home match against Burnley. In a game where they won, the xG battled 2.81 to 1.96 yet couldn’t find the back of the net more than once. Then we look at the hosts; they have had their share of EPL disappointment. They suffered a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal in the London Derby and, earlier in the month, a 4-1 loss to Brentford. Both matches at taking place at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are banged up and have played many games over the past two months. Keeping a clean sheet would be tough for them. West Ham have a ton of tread on their tires as well. I see Chelsea righting their derby woes and coming out victorious here.
Prediction: Chelsea 2, West Ham 1
Brighton vs Southampton (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET)
Brighton are coming off a mid-week beatdown by Manchester City. It was a match where they put up the effort to compete but were just outmatched. Southampton are coming off a 2-nil loss to Burnley. Before Brighton’s defeat to City, they had run of good form with two wins and a draw. They are a bit banged up but have been getting good production from their younger players. Southampton, on the other hand, haven’t been good. They have just one win in their last seven. From a betting standpoint, I lean the under. I think Brighton either wins, or this match ends in a draw. Southampton are conceding two goals per match on the road, and Brighton are allowing just one. With Southampton’s offensive struggles, A clean sheet for the Seagulls isn’t out of the question.
Prediction: Brighton 1, Southampton 0
Liverpool vs Everton (Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET)
Liverpool are humming right now. If we were to talk about the hottest teams in the World, Liverpool would either be team one or tied for team one. They are deep, possess the ball efficiency, and have the midfield that creates. Their forwards are World-class, and their defense is stout. Unfortunately for Everton, they are playing Liverpool at Anfield, where they are unstoppable. Liverpool lead the EPL in goals scored per match and are second in goals conceded. Everton are in a battle to stave off relegation. They are just one point clear of Burnley and will not pick up points this week. Liverpool should win this one easily.
Prediction: Liverpool 3, Everton 0
