Premier League: Round 13 Predictions

We've had a bit of a rest from the Premier League Predictor during the international break, but I'm very excited to get back into it considering how entertaining the 4-4 draw was between Chelsea and Manchester City in the last game of Round 12, and the fact that City are again involved in the first game of this round against fellow title contenders Liverpool.

As usual, there's a pretty interesting narrative around almost every fixture in this round.

Here are my thoughts on each Round 13 game.

Manchester City vs. Liverpool

This is undoubtedly a huge game as Liverpool are back to looking very strong this season, but their away form hasn't been great and I think you have to be brave to pick any away team to win at the Etihad. City are strong favourites, and I'm not sure Liverpool are good enough defensively to manage a point. There should be goals at both ends, though, so let's go for a very entertaining opening scoreline of Round 13. Manchester City 3-2 Liverpool

Burnley vs. West Ham

West Ham are sweating over the fitness of Jarrod Bowen but they should score goals against Burnley regardless of whether or not he's available, and though the Hammers haven't been too convincing in the league this season I think they're more likely to win this off the back of an international break than they would be if it was coming after a Thursday night Europa League game. I don't think Burnley have been threatening enough in attack so far this season to justify their fairly expansive approach. Burnley 1-2 West Ham

Luton Town vs. Crystal Palace

Tricky one. I think this will be close and Luton deserve respect after their recent displays but I'm not sure I can pick them/a draw as I'll be too frustrated if Palace end up winning semi comfortably which is what I think will probably happen if the Eagles have both Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise available. With players like that back fit, fans will rightly expect Roy Hodgson to start consistently picking up wins in games like this. Luton 0-2 Crystal Palace

Newcastle vs. Chelsea

Chelsea have been playing really well in their matches against strong opponents, and Newcastle definitely fit that category. I think the Magpies are favourites as they should be much stronger now that they've had some rest and time for a few players to return from injury, but Chelsea are good enough to pick up a point in my opinion. Newcastle will have PSG away at the back of their minds and I expect Eddie Howe will only be able to play Alexander Isak for around 60 minutes max so Chelsea have a slight advantage given their lack of European commitments and I'm very excited to see a potential debut for Christopher Nkunku if he's finally fit. Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest vs. Brighton

I was ready to pick Forest here considering their excellent last home performance against Aston Villa, but Taiwo Awoniyi is a huge miss. We know how the game will play out - around 65% possession for Brighton with Forest very threatening on the counter - but it's difficult to tell who will win! Brighton are struggling to pick up wins and I'm not sure Forest will be clinical enough for all three points so I'm going for another draw. Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brighton

Sheffield United vs. Bournemouth

Another difficult one considering the promise both of these sides have shown in glimpses lately, but I think Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth are probably the more likely to be cooking up something sustainable. There are signs that the Cherries are starting to click and I think they have enough talent to win a game like this, even if I'm not totally convinced that they will away from home. Sheffield United 1-2 Bournemouth

Brentford vs. Arsenal

I rarely pick away teams to win at Brentford but Arsenal tend to do OK there and they're certainly favourites. It took an incredible performance from Newcastle in a very strong atmosphere for the Gunners' only league defeat so far this season so I think a home win is unlikely here. Brentford 0-2 Arsenal

Tottenham vs. Aston Villa

Because of the number of injuries that Tottenham have, I think Villa might actually be favourites here, but their away form doesn't fill me with confidence so I'm thinking a draw might be on the cards. Even without so many key players, Spurs should compete well at home (so long as they don't get two players sent off again), and Unai Emery's side tend to be a lot better at Villa Park than they are everywhere else. Tottenham 2-2 Aston Villa

Everton vs. Manchester United

After Everton's points deduction, this has become the match I'm most excited for this weekend because the atmosphere is going to be off the charts at Goodison. Toffees fans are absolutely fuming about the severity of their punishment given the lack of action taken against some of the bigger clubs in the Premier League, and Sean Dyche will no doubt have his team fired up by that sense of injustice too which means this will be a very difficult afternoon for Manchester United in my opinion.

Despite their reasonable results, United have lacked good performances this season and certainly haven't shown many signs of the resilience that will be required in front of a hostile crowd like this. All three outcomes are very possible but I think Everton might win. Everton 2-1 Manchester United

Fulham vs. Wolves

Wolves are looking good and very tactically sound at the moment so I don't see them losing this, especially since Fulham are without Joao Palhinha. I'm very torn between a draw and an away win, though. I think the visitors will create more chances but it's so hard to tell whether or not they'll take them. They should score at least once, so a clean sheet might be enough for three points. Fulham 0-1 Wolves



Good luck with your own Round 13 predictions and feel free to let me know which ones you think I've got wrong in the comments!