Premier League Round 13 Predictions!

It's great to have the Premier League back this weekend and we're now entering the best period of the football season (in my opinion). There are so many fixtures across Europe to look forward to between now and January with numerous rounds of league action taking place as well as the business end of the Champions League group stages.

The international break came at a good time for Superbru players following the nightmare that was Round 12! I'm sure, like me, most of you would rather forget that round which saw the average player manage just 3.5 correct picks, so without further ado here are my thoughts on this weekend's games.

Brighton vs. Leicester

Not an easy one to have first up and I've still not forgiven Brighton and Dale Stephens in particular for his red card that ruined my picks at the first hurdle in Round 12! The Seagulls are strong at home though and Leicester would have to play very well to win this game. I'm not sure either team will score too many but with James Maddison expected to be back for Leicester I can see them finding a goal and getting a point. Jamie Vardy is 50/50 for the match so that's something to keep in mind and if he doesn't start I may switch to 1-0 Brighton. Brighton 1-1 Leicester

Everton vs. Cardiff

Everton had to dig in with some negative tactics at times in Round 12 but came away from Chelsea with a very impressive point. Silva's team will always create at least a few chances (as they did at Stamford Bridge) and now have a game where they should create more than a few. I can only see them winning this one, even if it takes a little time to get through the defensive block Neil Warnock will have in place at Goodison. Richarlison is the obvious threat as he'll play through the middle and looked good when playing for Brazil in Milton Keynes this week - not a place you'll spot Neymar and co. in very often! Everton 2-0 Cardiff

Fulham vs. Southampton

Like everyone else, I'm buzzing to see Claudio Ranieri back in the Premier League and this should be a classic case of a new manager generating an immediate rise in performance levels. Time will tell whether or not Ranieri can keep the Whites in the top flight but he could hardly have asked for a kinder fixture first up. I'm tempted to back them to keep a clean sheet as well which really would signal a miraculous turnaround but that might be pushing my luck a little given how bad the defence has been. Fulham 2-1 Southampton

Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace

United need to win this game and so like Fulham will be pleased with the opposition they're up against. This fixture has been simple in previous years for the Red Devils and I think we'll see them win relatively comfortably again this weekend. That said, I couldn't believe it when Superbru told me that United haven't kept a PL clean sheet since the 2nd of September! It's almost unbelievable for a Jose Mourinho team. I'm bravely backing David de Gea and his defence to ensure that stat is no longer true come Saturday evening. Man United 2-0 Crystal Palace

Watford vs. Liverpool

Watford are capable of pulling off an upset against a big side at home but I don't think it's likely here. The next six games on Liverpool's calendar are absolutely massive and I can't see them slipping up at Vicarage Road and killing all momentum ahead of their vital trip to Paris on Wednesday. For those of you who like to pick based on patterns and averages, there have been 22 top-flight meetings between these two and there's never been a 0-0. Perhaps a few brave brus will bank on one coming around this week!? Watford 1-3 Liverpool

West Ham vs. Manchester City

Manchester City will certainly have easier games than this one this season but I think a lot depends on whether or not West Ham and Manuel Pellegrini actually believe they stand a chance. In truth, for many teams in West Ham's position, the most logical approach here is damage limitation and the Hammers' performance against Chelsea will probably be the blueprint for this game. They managed a 0-0 against Sarri's team in what was a very strong defensive effort. However, City are better than Chelsea and once they find the net I'm not sure West Ham will be able to suddenly push forward and threaten Ederson's goal. West Ham 0-2 Manchester City

Tottenham vs. Chelsea

This one will be very interesting. Fourth vs. third in a big London derby. I was ready to sit on the fence and call a 1-1 draw as I'm confident Spurs will score against a Chelsea defence that still doesn't look perfect but then yesterday's team news emerged and the hosts have a lot of players out. We already knew that Mousa Dembele would be absent and he's important for Spurs but we've now also learned that Davinson Sanchez and Kieran Trippier are missing which will further unsettle them defensively. Yes, Aurier isn't a bad replacement at right-back and yes Vertonghen could also return but they will each lack sharpness and take their place in a back four that hasn't played together so far this season. That's hardly ideal when up against Eden Hazard and I think Chelsea could just nick this with the same scoreline they managed last season. Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea

Bournemouth vs. Arsenal

Arsenal haven't won either of their last two games at the Vitality and Bournemouth have been playing well so there's every chance that this could be an upset at Superbru. I feel confident there will be goals but have decided to just go with Arsenal as they seem a little more resilient on the road under Emery and Bournemouth don't tend to get results against the bigger sides as often as they should. My pick is certainly an ambitious one but a few things suggest Bournemouth will score goals against this Gunners team so if Arsenal are to come away with a win they'll need to bag plenty themselves. Bournemouth 2-3 Arsenal

Wolves vs. Huddersfield

This is a good chance for Wolves to get back to winning ways with a solid result that regains some momentum. They looked good at the Emirates and were unlucky not to win there in Round 12 so confidence should still be high enough to beat a Huddersfield side that will struggle for points all season - especially away from home. Wolves 1-0 Huddersfield

Burnley vs. Newcastle

Finally, this doesn't appear the most attractive Monday night game of the season but should still be exciting since both teams will feel they can win. Picks will pretty evenly spread at Superbru but it's Newcastle that are perhaps favourites having strung together a couple of wins at long last before the international break. With Rondon back fit, the Magpies have a striker who can score goals and that's so important for in-game confidence throughout the team. I'm tempted to side with them but Burnley have home advantage and a couple of important players back themselves in Defour and Gudmundsson so I have 1-1 for now. This pick could change based on team news though! Burnley 1-1 Newcastle

Let me know how your picks compare in the comments! Things should certainly be lively early on with United, Liverpool and City all involved in the 3pm games.