Predictions: Jack's Round 26 Premier League Picks

Round 25 was entertaining, wasn't it? That Liverpool vs. Manchester City game was great fun, particularly from Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick onwards. Let's hope for more of the same in this midweek round.

Last round

I had 4/10 and 7.5pts with my predictions. Chelsea's 1-3 win at Wolves was my Exact but it was frustrating that Bournemouth couldn't find a winner having created lots of chances against Villa. I considered picking Everton and Palace so those games were a little annoying but I really didn't expect City or Brentford to win.

Here are my thoughts on Round 26.

Chelsea vs. Leeds

There's still a fair bit of disgruntlement around Chelsea at the moment due to the bigger picture of the direction the club has been heading under the new ownership, but Liam Rosenior, whose appointment is very reflective of that direction, is yet to put a foot wrong in the Premier League. Chelsea have a very favourable run of fixtures at the moment but you still need to pick up the points and so far the Blues have been doing just that so I think it makes sense to back them. Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Leeds

Everton vs. Bournemouth

Everton continue to frustrate me immensely in this Predictor campaign. I probably should have picked them to win at Fulham based on their record at Craven Cottage, but you just can't tell with the Toffees and this is another game where it could so easily go either way. I'm going with Bournemouth, partly because of Everton's home form but also because I almost want Everton to lose at this point because they keep messing my predictions up 😃 Prediction: Everton 1-2 Bournemouth

Tottenham vs. Newcastle

It's impossible for both of these teams to lose in this round so that's reason for slight encouragement for each fanbase, but they could draw which neither side would be particularly happy with. It's a really tough one. Spurs have a ridiculously long injury list and will now be without Romero for ages due to this red card last week, but Newcastle really haven't looked themselves this season under Eddie Howe because neither of their new strikers have fit just yet. A terrible home record vs. a terrible away record... I'm going with 1-1 because I'm really unsure about this one. Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle

West Ham vs. Manchester United

West Ham have been much improved of late and it's therefore not out of the question that they get a result here to really put pressure on Nottingham Forest, but Manchester United are fully on the march under Michael Carrick. It's hard to go against the Red Devils at the moment, even when their record isn't great at the London Stadium. Prediction: West Ham 0-2 Manchester United

Aston Villa vs. Brighton

I made the mistake of watching Brighton's match against Palace in it's entirety on Sunday. The Seagulls look shocking at the moment and though their fans' treatment of Fabian Hurzeler is arguably a bit harsh, I do feel they should be a lot better than they are. Barring a big turnaround from the visitors, this should be an Aston Villa win. Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Brighton

Crystal Palace vs. Burnley

I think Crystal Palace will win this comfortably. As much as Sunday was a tough watch as I just mentioned, there was finally a feeling of freshness about the Eagles with some new signings and Burnley are looking dead and buried now. Prediction: Crystal Palace 3-0 Burnley

Manchester City vs. Fulham

Manchester City always beat Fulham so they're the team to pick here, particularly after winning at Anfield in such memorable fashion. Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Fulham

Nottingham Forest vs. Wolves

This is a massive game for Forest as it is but if West Ham win tonight then a loss in this game could be fatal for Sean Dyche as the fans and club will panic. With Wolves back on a losing streak and having little to play for themselves at this point, surely Forest get the job done? Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Wolves

Sunderland vs. Liverpool

This is another very interesting one. Sunderland's unbeaten home record vs. a Liverpool side that really need a win after losing to City. I wouldn't be surprised at all if this is a draw but I just wonder if this is the match where Sunderland really miss Granit Xhaka. Without him, I think the Black Cats may break in the end as Liverpool should dominate the ball. Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Liverpool

Brentford vs. Arsenal

Brentford and Keith Andrews deserve so much credit for their season so far given pre-season expectations, and it would be cool to see them win this match too given how the title race would then look, but I think Arsenal will be too streetwise and powerful. I can picture a fairly competitive match but with the Gunners adding a late second goal having gone ahead earlier on too. Prediction: Brentford 0-2 Arsenal

After these games, we have the start of our FA Cup Predictor game as that begins with the fourth round, and then there's an 11th Premier League fixture in this round as Wolves vs. Arsenal has been rescheduled for next Wednesday.

I haven't picked that yet but needless to say I'll be backing Arsenal.

Best of luck with your own Round 26 predictions! Remember, there's another Road to the World Cup key up for grabs if you can beat everyone else in this round.