THE VERY BLUNT PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW & PREDICTIONS (WEEK 13)
After three international breaks in as many months, we’ve made it. The next one isn’t until March, may we bask in the glory days of infinite Premier League matches over the Christmas period.
Every week we’ll be giving you our blunt takes and predicting each Premier League match featured in our Pick 10 league along with any other big fixtures - will you take our advice?
Manchester City vs Liverpool
The Champions have been hit by an injury bug, many of their top stars missed playing time for their respective national teams - but you know what that means, they’ll all be fit to play against Liverpool. City were imperious with Rodri back in the fold following his suspension, but that 4-4 instant-classic draw with Chelsea halted their momentum.
The stats don’t lie, Liverpool have won just one of their past 14 Premier League away games against Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been ever-present in this early title race but this will be their ultimate litmus test. Avoiding defeat at the Etihad would be encouraging, especially with fixtures against Fulham, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace to come.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool
Burnley vs West Ham
Burnley are in a perilous situation and Vincent Kompany knows it. Everton’s 10-point deduction is a shot in the arm for the Turf Moor club, they must take advantage soon or face an arduous losing relegation battle - an excruciating existence. With Michail Antonio out injured, now is the time to pounce after the international break - it has to be.
Antonio’s injury and Jarrod Bowen’s battle for fitness is concerning, deeply concerning. It could open the door for 19-year-old Divin Mubama. The forward was one of the stars of West Ham's FA Youth Cup-winning team last season and could be drafted in. David Moyes’ anxiety will not be alleviated just yet with the Hammers losing ground on the European places, mid-table purgatory is a scary place.
Prediction: Burnley 2-1 West Ham
Nottingham Forest vs Brighton & Hove Albion
To quote the unmistakeable Malcolm Tucker from The Thick of It, “People have got no f*****g opinion about you, you're like f*****g Special K. At least Steve Cooper has managed to steer the club away from the bottom so far. That said, five of Forest’s seven away games this season have been at Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool. They’ve navigated that stretch well.
Winless in their last six, Brighton have well and truly hit a wall, a big wall. Playing in Europe comes at a price and Roberto De Zerbi is beginning to find that out. Like West Ham, the European places are slipping away with more teams challenging for them - have the expectations been unreasonably raised for this Brighton side? Perhaps, but that’s the cost of progress.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Brighton & Hove Albion
Brentford vs Arsenal
Without Ivan Toney, Rico Henry, Kevin Schade, Aaron Hickey and now Nathan Collins, Brentford are coping - better than expected too with three victories in their last four Premier League outings. This season has produced the best opening third of the three years the Bees have been up, but why doesn’t it feel that way?
The decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale in favour of David Raya is lingering. Mikel Arteta is showing a cold ruthless side, like a prickly uncle in law at a Christmas dinner, unlikeable. Only one challenger stood in their way for the Premier League crown last time out - and they lost, how will Arsenal fare with other clubs in the mix? The festive period will be a stern test.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Arsenal
Everton vs Manchester United
Their chairman passed away and the team has been docked 10 points by the Premier League, Everton should be in disarray - but they aren’t. In fact, ask most people following the points deduction and you’ll find many willing to back the Toffees to avoid relegation. This Everton side are ready to fight, Goodison Park will be deafening on Sunday.
The fact that Manchester United have collected more points (12) over their past five matches than any other side in the Premier League doesn’t seem right, does it? Five points still separate Erik ten Hag’s team and fourth place Tottenham, bridging that gap will be difficult given United's 13 goals so far in the top flight this season is the fewest of any side in the top 12.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Manchester United
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