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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. This week we tackle Matchday 36 of 38 in hopes of cashing a big payday. Last week, we accurately predicted the winning scores for three of the ten games. This week is a new week, and we will take our chance at winning our share of $50,000. Here is how I see this week’s slate shaking out:
Brentford vs Southampton (Saturday, 10 am)
Brentford host Southampton in hopes to end their two-match goalless drought. This should be possible against a Southampton side who are looking ahead to the end of the season. Southampton have won just two of their last nine matches and haven’t been overly concerned with defense. Without the possibility of relegation and neither team eligible for European qualification, they will continue to play stress-free football. In the reverse fixture, Southampton got the better of Brentford. The Bees continue to buzz at home. I am backing goals in this contest without really caring who wins.
Prediction: Brentford 2, Southampton 2
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Burnley vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 10 am)
This match is one that has thrown me through a mental loop. Burley have won three straight, both home and away, and their last three at Turf Moor. Am I to believe the interim appointment of Mike Jackson fixed the issues they’ve faced all season? As it stands now, they are two points clear from relegation, 16th on the table, and tied with Leeds with 34 points. Villa were able to end their five-match winless streak with a two-nil victory over Norwich. There’s no such thing as easy goals when playing at Turf Moor. They are only allowing 1.18 goals per match at home, and this one could be the snooze fest of the weekend. It could also have fireworks because of the lax defense Villa play on the road. Please give me the draw here; Burnley know both Everton and Leeds have a tough road battle; a point could go a long way in fighting off relegation.
Prediction: Burnley 1, Aston Villa 1
Chelsea vs Wolves (Saturday, 10 am)
The Blues don’t have much to play for, which was evident in their last two fixtures. A draw with United and a loss to Everton. It would take a Herculean effort for Tottenham to usurp Chelsea from their top-four spot. Regardless of not playing as hard as they should, I still think they should be this Wolves team. Wolves lack creativity; they lack a legitimate offensive threat that would give Chelsea a threat while playing at home. Wolves would love to end their three-game losing streak, but unfortunately, that is not happening this weekend.
Prediction: Chelsea 3, Wolves 0
Crystal Palace vs Watford (Saturday, 10 am)
Crystal Palace were able to end their three matches winless streak with a 2-1 win over Southampton. They were deadlocked heading into extra time, and WilFred Zaha found the back of the net in the 92nd minute. From a statistical standpoint, Palace are much better home than away. They go from scoring 1.18 goals per match to 1.47 at home. Watford, on the other hand, are getting relegated. They aren’t good defensively, either home or away. I think Palace have an excellent chance to put a lot of points on them. It’s just how fluid their offense can be; it’s too stagnant at times. They score multiple goals and let Watford in the back of the net. I don’t see Watford’s three-game scoring streak ending against a Palace.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 3, Watford 1
Brighton vs Manchester United (Saturday, 12:30 pm)
Manchester United look free again. They are playing with pace, connectivity, and joy. There was a time when that joy was lost upon United, and they were playing tight and poor football. They are coming off a 3-0 win over Brighton, their first clean sheet in their last eight games. Brighton had a spell of joy themselves. They were able to pick up a win over Tottenham and a win on the road over Wolves. Still, at times, I worry about the finish. I don’t think United keep a clean sheet on the road, even against an oft offensively poor Brighton. United have just three clean sheets on the road this season. Brighton find the back of the net, and stats say United get two.
Prediction: Brighton 1, United 2
Liverpool vs Tottenham (Saturday, 2:45 pm)
Liverpool vs Tottenham is a match in the middle of the season that we didn’t know we would be looking forward to. Liverpool are just one point behind City, and Tottenham are just two points behind Arsenal for the fourth and final Champions League qualification spots. The problem Tottenham have this weekend is Liverpool is playing some of the best football in the world. Liverpool are in the Champions League final and are unbeaten in their last 17 matches across all competitions. Liverpool are the league’s highest-scoring team, and they get the benefit of playing this match at Anfield. Tottenham have made plenty of strides this season and should be happy with where they are on the table. It will probably be a tough day for them Saturday; I am backing Liverpool to win comfortably this weekend.
Prediction: Liverpool 3, Tottenham 1
Norwich City vs West Ham (Sunday, 9 am)
Hard for me to believe Norwich get anything out of this match. Despite the defensive pieces missing for West Ham, they are still pretty solid defensively, especially against the league’s bottom half. Norwich are also dead last in xG, and goals scored this season. They lack the talent to finish in front of the net to make them a constant threat against any opponent. West Ham will have tired legs, but they should be able to keep Norwich out.
Prediction: Norwich 0, West Ham 1
Leicester City vs Everton (Sunday, 9 am)
Another match where I’d be shocked to see an abundance of goals. Leicester City getting Wesley Fofana and Johnny Evans back makes them a stout defensive unit. Everton, on the other hand, aren’t very good offensively. I wouldn’t trust them to get in a shootout. For them, knowing a point is precious; they could try and slow the game down. Being just two points clear of EPL safety, they’d be wise to take their time and play calculated football. I would expect a slow game, maybe a Leicester City goal and another from Everton late in the game. 1-0 or 1-1 seem like the likeliest scorelines here.
Prediction: Leicester 1, Everton 1
Arsenal vs Leeds United (Sunday, 9 am)
Another match this weekend where both teams have something to play for. Arsenal are narrowly in the fourth and final Champions League spot, and Leeds are just two points clear of the relegation zone. The Gunners are on a three-match winning streak and have looked impressive in all three games. Leeds are coming in off a beat down by Manchester City. Arteta is getting premium play from his players at the perfect time. Leeds will want to keep this close and play for the draw. They would be tied in points if they get one point and Everton win. Even getting healthy, I don’t see Leeds being competitive on the road. Arsenal win this one but let Leeds in the back of the net.
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Leeds 1
Manchester City vs Newcastle United (Sunday, 11:30 am)
Poor City. They were shocked by Real Madrid’s late comeback effort and had their Champions League hope snatched away. They know the EPL job is not done regardless of how down in the dumps they are about getting upset in their midweek fixture. They are just one point ahead. They will welcome a Newcastle side who is playing with confidence. I think Newcastle are in for a rude awakening. City are top two in goals scored, goals allowed, and expected goals. They win this one and take out their anger from their UCL frustrations.
Predictions: Manchester City 3, Newcastle 0
