Premier League Matchday 19 Predictions

Wolves v West Brom

I did not think Wolves would miss Raul Jimenez as much as they have. They haven't got the same threat going forward and this is giving teams chances to beat them, as Everton showed in the week. They should beat West Brom though, who look in worse shape under Allardyce than they did under Bilic. They are conceding more too, which is rare for a Sam Allardyce side.

Prediction 2-0 

Leeds v Brighton

Leeds will have a lot of the ball here, and the outcome will depend on whether they can take their chances in front of goal. They have been wasteful at times this season - the goalless draw against Arsenal sticks out. Brighton have played ok recently, but continue to lack the cutting edge that they need to break teams down.

Prediction 2-0

West Ham v Burnley

This fixture has been won by Burnley on 5 of the last 6 occasions. However, I can't see that run continuing here. Neither side have had any consistency this season, but the Hammers have the better players, and the bigger goal threat. Burnley need to find another way of playing - scoring first and holding on will only get you so far in the Premier League.

Prediction 2-1

Fulham v Chelsea

Scott Parker would have been delighted to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a point on Wednesday, especially with only 48 hours notice to play the game. They played really well and on another night could have won it. The difference here will be if Chelsea score first, they will push for a second and a third. I can't see Fulham scoring more than once.

Prediction 1-2

Leicester v Southampton

Surprisingly, this fixture could have a say as to who finishes the season in a European place. The Foxes are much better away than they are at home, having lost 5 of their last 9 games at the King Power. Southampton continue to impress and surprise people. This would be another big statement of intent, but even a draw would be a decent outcome.

Prediction 1-1

Aston Villa v Everton - postponed due to coronavirus in the Aston Villa squad.

Sheffield United v Tottenham

Sheffield United finally have a league win at the 18th time of asking, although it was a very scrappy win over Newcastle with a controversial penalty. However, wins build confidence and they have to believe that they can still stay up if they go on a run. Spurs are not learning - you can't sit on a one-goal lead at this level. Three times they have been caught out doing that recently (against Crystal Palace, Wolves and Fulham). It could happen again here.

Prediction 1-1

Liverpool v Manchester United

There is nothing to split these two rivals at the moment, except United have edged their way to the top after their midweek win at Burnley. This will surely be another one of those games where they will sit deep, keep their shape and look to play on the break. I expect Liverpool to dominate possession and control the majority of the game. They will have to remain patient to break United down, but if they do, I expect Liverpool to return to the summit here.

Prediction 2-0

Manchester City v Crystal Palace

For all the exciting football City have played recently, it was the gritty win midweek that caught my eye. Pep Guardiola teams have never been known for grinding results out, but they had to work hard against Brighton last time out for the points. Palace will make things just as hard for them here. They were excellent defensively at the Emirates on Thursday night, and they might need a similar performance here.

Prediction 2-0

Arsenal v Newcastle

The big plus for Arsenal is they have now kept 4 clean sheets in a row for the first time since 2016. The bad news is that goals are threatening to dry up. They huffed and puffed against Palace in their last game, but never really looked like winning the game. Newcastle will take heart from pushing the Gunners all the way in the cup last weekend, however, I think Arsenal will win this one.

Prediction 2-0