Premier League Predictor: (Updated) Round 28 Predictions

Update with my picks for the final 4 games in the round:
6/10 so far... It's fair to say my gamble on an Everton draw didn't pay off! What an awful away performance that was.

On to the midweek games...

Norwich vs. Chelsea

Chelsea have already been having to block out a few off-field distractions in recent weeks but things have obviously stepped up significantly with Roman Abramovich sanctioned this morning. Fortunately for the Blues, this is a very favourable fixture that they should still win but outside of the actual 90 minutes, nobody will be talking about this game with attention firmly on the future of Chelsea. Prediction: Norwich 1-3 Chelsea

Southampton vs. Newcastle

Tough pick. Newcastle are going so well at the moment and Southampton's sudden heavy defeat at Villa has made me think twice about picking them. Let's go for a draw. Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Newcastle

Wolves vs. Watford

This one also isn't as straightforward as you might think as Watford have been surprisingly good defensively away from home under Hodgson and Wolves don't score many at the best of times let alone after 3 straight defeats. I'm still calling a home win but I'm not too confident. Prediction: Wolves 1-0 Watford

Leeds vs. Aston Villa

I have a feeling Leeds might edge this. It feels a bit brave after Villa's very good win at the weekend but I was impressed by how much improvement we saw from Leeds in Marsch's first game at Leicester and with this being his first game at Elland Road, we can expect a good atmosphere. Leeds deserved at least a point on Saturday and if they can be better in front of goal here then they could well manage a crucial victory. Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Aston Villa

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(Original Article posted last Friday:)

After a dreadful 3/9 in Round 27 (it all started so well with that Exact!), I have some work to do in this round of the Premier League Predictor.

We have the regular number of 10 games to pick between now and Monday but then be aware that there are 4 rescheduled fixtures to predict on Thursday too as part of this round - I'll update this article with my extra picks for those games nearer the time.

Here are my thoughts on the opening 10!

Leicester vs. Leeds

I didn't expect Leicester to win at Burnley in midweek so now that they have, you'd think they should be okay to win this one too as Leeds have been so poor in recent weeks. Jesse Marsch has obviously replaced Marcelo Bielsa now so we could see some kind of 'bounce' but even though he'll look to play quite positively just as Bielsa did, I think the considerable difference between Bielsa and any other manager (not just Marsch) is significant enough for us to expect there to be a considerable adjustment period when switching styles. I think this is an interesting and quite exciting appointment but I'd be surprised if we immediately see Leeds find a point or 3 here. Prediction: Leicester 3-1 Leeds

Aston Villa vs. Southampton

Tricky one. Saints look excellent at the moment but Villa are obviously at home and had a good win at Brighton last time out. I've been impressed with Southampton though and they didn't let me down in the FA Cup when I picked them in midweek so let's back them again. Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Southampton

Burnley vs. Chelsea

Chelsea tend to get a result at Turf Moor and I think most people will feel easier about backing them here after Burnley's loss to Leicester on Tuesday. The sale of Chelsea will be headline news for weeks to come and it's impossible to tell if it will have any effect on performances for the remainder of the season so for now I'm working on the basis that it won't. Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Chelsea

Newcastle vs. Brighton

I'm really surprised by Brighton's last two results as they're so out of character considering their season so far but you'd have to say Newcastle are now favourites here since their form has been excellent. Eddie Howe's done excellently to get them where they are on the table and this looks like a good chance to find 3 more points before two tough away games. Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Brighton

Norwich vs. Brentford

I said last week that if Brentford lost to Newcastle they'd be in big trouble. Now that they have, I think Norwich might take this and I'm definitely worried for the Bees. Norwich will know they need to win this to stand any realistic chance of staying up. Prediction: Norwich 1-0 Brentford

Wolves vs. Crystal Palace

This is another fairly tough one but I'm going with a home win again. Wolves' recent defeats will have been very frustrating, particularly at Arsenal, and I'm a little wary about whether the disappointment of falling behind in the race for European places will knock them a bit but they should have the edge at Molineux. Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Crystal Palace

Liverpool vs. West Ham

You can't pick against Liverpool at the moment, they look excellent. The Reds have done incredibly well to make up ground on City considering how good the league leaders have been this season and we could yet be set for a very close title race. Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 West Ham

Watford vs. Arsenal

I was very surprised to see Watford pick up a point last week but that was probably more a reflection of United's current issues than it was Watford having the ability to get out of the relegation scrap they are in, in my opinion. Arsenal look decent at the moment and I think they'll win this. Prediction: Watford 1-2 Arsenal

Manchester City vs. Manchester United

City are obviously miles ahead of United at the moment but this is a fixture United used to do very well in under Solskjaer and since we've also seen Spurs win at the Etihad in a similar way very recently, there is part of me tempted by the upset! However, I'm not sure we've really seen the same qualities under Rangnick? United have probably improved off the ball and in terms of creating chances in recent weeks but we still see really poor defending at times and their lack of precision in front of goal has been glaring for all to see in many recent games.

Since in order to win this game I think they'll need to take the 2 or 3 clear chances they get, I think I'm going with City as even Ronaldo hasn't been himself in this calendar year. There's no doubt the hosts will have more chances and both Mahrez and Sterling have looked good in front of goal lately. Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

Tottenham vs. Everton

Aside from that stunning performance at City where Kane was on fire and the win at Leeds, who have been getting beaten by everyone in recent weeks, Tottenham have looked very average which means this remains a tough pick despite Everton's poor away form. A home win remains likely but I'm tempted by a draw I think because the Toffees really are desperate for points. I'd be much more confident if this was at Goodison given that Everton away record but after seeing Spurs' display at Boro, it feels difficult to pick them. Let's gamble on this last one. Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Everton

Best of luck to you all with your own picks.