Premier League Predictor: Round 13 Predictions

As usual, we had quite a few upsets in the last round of the Premier League Predictor as Watford outplayed Manchester United which resulted in Solskjaer's departure, Wolves won at home against West Ham, and Dean Smith enjoyed an excellent start at Norwich as they beat Southampton.

Like most of the community, I only managed 4 correct picks (the expected results) with an Exact for City's 3-0 over Everton so there's certainly some work to do this week.

Here are my thoughts on each game in Round 13.

Arsenal vs. Newcastle

Norwich's win in Round 12 has highlighted just how much danger Newcastle are in at the bottom of the table and it's hard to see them finding their first win of the season in this game. There were certainly signs that the Magpies' approach will be more positive under Eddie Howe in that draw with Brentford but Arsenal are going to create a lot of chances in this game and should win. Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa

This should be a really good game. Gerrard got off to a perfect start last week and Palace are good fun under Vieira so it should be an interesting watch and very competitive. The hosts are enjoying a good unbeaten run but we've seen a lot of draws in that run and I think this could be another. Both teams will be fairly organised but will aim to get forward and I think that could well result in them each finding a goal or two. Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Aston Villa

Liverpool vs. Southampton

Liverpool's dominant win over Arsenal looked like a return to 'business as usual' at Anfield and they should win again here. Saints suffered a really poor result at Norwich and though their displays away at other big teams suggest they can be competitive here (more so than Arsenal were), I'd be very surprised if Liverpool didn't still find a way to edge it. Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Southampton

Norwich vs. Wolves

Norwich have suddenly managed back-to-back wins meaning there's a feeling of hope again for the Canaries but it still feels quite difficult to pick them? Wolves are going very well with 5 wins in 7 including that impressive victory over West Ham last week so you'd have to say they're still favourites. I think there'll be a fair bit of confidence at Norwich now under the new manager though and with Gilmour and Cantwell also providing a slightly fresher feel at Carrow Road, I think we might see a draw. Prediction: Norwich 1-1 Wolves

Brighton vs. Leeds

This is a tough one as neither side are in great form but it's tough to pick Leeds until they have Bamford back - they look quite lost without him. It's tempting to go for another draw, particularly since Brighton have had so many lately, but as long as they take the chances they create on the day I think they're the more likely winners. Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Leeds

Brentford vs. Everton

Both of these two teams need a result. In fairness to Benitez, Everton are just missing so many of their best players and with a pretty thin squad it's hard to then avoid defeats. I was surprised to see Doucoure is already back in training this week as while I'm sure Everton will want him back in their midfield as soon as possible given the circumstances, it feels a bit risky to rush him? Without Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison I'm not sure how much they can threaten Brentford so I'm going with a home win as the Bees will create pressure through their strikers and set pieces/long throws. Prediction: Brentford 2-0 Everton

Burnley vs. Tottenham

This is another tricky one as it's becoming apparent that my initial plan of just picking Tottenham quite a lot now that they have Antonio Conte might not be a good one since the man himself is admitting Spurs just aren't a great side at the moment. It's difficult because if Kane and Son get back anywhere close to their peak then Spurs will begin winning games regularly again, however, predicting if and when they might do so is almost impossible. Burnley have only lost 1 of their last 7 so let's go with a draw. Prediction: Burnley 1-1 Tottenham

Leicester vs. Watford

I'm not enjoying picking Leicester games at the moment either but I think you have to go for a home win here. Under Ranieri, Watford have managed 2 stunning wins with lots of goals but then haven't scored at all in their other matches! Without Sarr, this is an even tougher ask for the Hornets and it looks like a favourable game for Leicester in which to build on their Europa League victory in midweek. Prediction: Leicester 2-0 Watford

Manchester City vs. West Ham

I'm interested to see this game and how West Ham get on but you'd have to be very brave to go against City after their performance and win over PSG on Wednesday night. They've won all of their recent home meetings with the Hammers and this should be the same. Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 West Ham

Chelsea vs. Manchester United

Similarly to City, Chelsea look like a very good side at the moment and you don't really want to be heading to Stamford Bridge as an opponent. This is a tough ask for Michael Carrick in his interim role before the seemingly imminent appointment of Ralf Rangnick (which is exciting!). There's always the Ronaldo factor which means United are capable of a result but you'd have to say Chelsea are overwhelming favourites. Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United

Best of luck to you all with your own Round 13 predictions!