Premier League: Round 22 Predictions

There's been a slight lack of Premier League football of late due to focus on the Cup competitions and the drawn out nature of Round 21 because of the winter break, but rest assured that's about to change as we now get back into a regular pattern of PL games.

After a reasonable 7/10 in Round 21, I'm keen to get stuck into this midweek round but there are several tough picks...

Here are my thoughts on each Round 22 game.

Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal

It's been quite some time since we've seen Arsenal win an away game convincingly, so I expect this to be close because of Forest's improved form under Nuno, but the Gunners should just about get the job done having had such a long time to prepare. If they don't, expect furious demands for a new centre forward all over social media ahead of Thursday's transfer window deadline. Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal

Fulham vs. Everton

I'm really torn on this one so I think I'm going for a draw. Neither fanbase seems particularly optimistic at the moment, and while I was considering an away win because it's Everton who are in greater need of points, I'm not sure they'll manage one without Abdoulaye Doucoure. Fulham aren't the most dangerous attacking team in the league but they're hard to beat with Joao Palhinha and Tosin Adarabioyo both very good players. Fulham 1-1 Everton

Luton vs. Brighton

This one feels like a draw or an away win to me and I'm going with Brighton despite Luton's good recent results. The lack of goals in recent PL games for Brighton has been a concern but they scored 5 away at Sheffield United in the FA Cup last time out and they should create a number of chances here. Luton 1-2 Brighton

Crystal Palace vs. Sheffield United

Palace really need to win this game and I think they will. It sounds as if their injury situation has improved so both Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise should feature, and the signing of right back Daniel Munoz is a good one in my opinion. Munoz is unlikely to feature tonight having only signed today, but it will provide the fans with some much needed optimism and Sheffield United are obviously very beatable. Crystal Palace 2-0 Sheffield United

Aston Villa vs. Newcastle

This should be a fun game to watch as both sides can be so strong on their day but I think you have to go with Villa. Newcastle's recent league form is obviously poor, particularly defensively, so Villa will be tough to handle at home. Both clubs are also very keen to improve their squads before the end of the window but need to sell players in order to keep within FFP while doing so which means that should be a fun watch in the days following this match, too. Aston Villa 3-1 Newcastle

Manchester City vs. Burnley

This shouldn't be an issue for City, who are obviously much stronger than Burnley and always seem to batter them. Manchester City 4-0 Burnley

Tottenham vs. Brentford

Spurs struggled to lay a glove on City in their FA Cup tie on Friday, but this is likely to be an easier fixture and they should win, especially with Maddison back fit. Ivan Toney's return resulted in a much needed win for Brentford last time out but they still need the likes of Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo fit in order to win a game like this in my opinion. Tottenham 3-1 Brentford

Liverpool vs. Chelsea

There's been a lot of draws between Liverpool and Chelsea in recent seasons and this one should also be close, but it's hard to back Chelsea for even a point based on their current away form. Some of their better performances under Mauricio Pochettino have come in the 'big' games against Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham and they'll be dangerous on the counter in this one too but Liverpool are the more likely winners and I'm going with a narrow home win. Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

West Ham vs. Bournemouth

In Round 21, I wrote that I'd be changing my Sheffield United to win pick if Jarrod Bowen was fit to start for West Ham, and I did just that which ended up with a correct draw pick. So I'm following a similar approach this week because West Ham are going to need a strong team to defeat this Bournemouth side. Kalvin Phillips may debut which will be interesting, but my main focus is on whether or not Mohammed Kudus is back from AFCON as if he is and he starts, West Ham are favourites in my opinion.

Bournemouth are a decent side and more than capable of a result so I've considered a draw and even an away win, but if West Ham lineup with Ward-Prowse, Bowen and Kudus all starting then I think they can score goals. West Ham 2-1 Bournemouth

Wolves vs. Manchester United

I'm not sure Manchester United will win this one, as Wolves have looked good of late and are very tough to beat at Molineux. You'd think United will improve in the coming weeks as lots of players are coming back from injuries, but it might be a bit soon to see that improvement and there's just always a saga going on at Old Trafford with Marcus Rashford's behaviour the latest. With Matheus Cunha looking sharp, Pedro Neto back and a very good home record, I think Wolves pick up at least a point. Wolves 1-1 Manchester United



Good luck with your own Round 22 predictions and feel free to leave your own predictions in the comments!