2021/22 Premier League Predictions & Results: Matchday 15
Pintsized Background
Forget Ralf. Forget the trio of new managers at the bottom of the table. The real match this weekend is West Ham’s trip to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have proven to be insanely difficult to break down at the back, yet West Ham’s efficiency in front of goal this season could create a match that delivers only fireworks.
Failed to catch last weekend’s action? No worries, we have you covered:
PI’s Preview: Premier League Predictions: Matchday 14.
PI’s Review: Premier League Review: Matchday 14.
PI’s Recommended Match: Manchester United vs Arsenal.
Unconvinced by Pintsized’s mystical predicting powers? Take a look at our prediction success last week detailed in Premier League Statistics: Match Day 14.
Bitesize Predictions
| Fixtures | Pintsized | Ryan | Steviano | Results |
| Saturday, 4 December | ||||
| West Ham vs Chelsea | 0-2 | 1-2 | 1-1 | 3-2 |
| Newcastle vs Burnley | 1-2 | 1-1 | 2-1 | 1-0 |
| Wolves vs Liverpool | 0-2 | 0-2 | 1-4 | 0-1 |
| Southampton vs Brighton | 1-1 | 2-1 | 2-1 | 1-1 |
| Watford vs Man City | 0-3 | 1-3 | 1-3 | 1-3 |
| Sunday, 5 December | ||||
| Leeds vs Brentford | 2-2 | 1-0 | 2-1 | 2-2 |
| Man United vs Crystal Palace | 3-1 | 3-1 | 3-1 | 1-0 |
| Spurs vs Norwich | 2-1 | 2-0 | 2-0 | 3-0 |
| Aston Villa vs Leicester | 3-2 | 2-2 | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Monday, 6 December | ||||
| Everton vs Arsenal | 1-2 | 0-1 | 0-2 | 2-1 |
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 15: Saturday, 4 December
West Ham (#4, 24pts) vs Chelsea (#1, 33pts)
Pintsized
The Hammer’s defence has looked shakier at times without Angelo Ogbonna. With Pablo Fornals stepping up performances in the midfield, it has taken some of the pressure off the back-line. Whether Fornals will be able to expand into space against the likes of Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen or Antonio Rudiger is another question. Romelu Lukaku’s dip in form is a pleasing trend for Hammers fans, yet the Blues tend to find some way of getting the win these days.
Prediction: 0-2
Ryan
It feels like yesterday since the Premiership took to our screens. To be fair it’s not from the truth. West Ham cruised against Brighton before the Seagulls nicked a point late on. Chelsea did the exact same but took all the points away from a stubborn Watford. This could be a great game to watch with two very good teams locking horns. I was tempted with a draw but think Chelsea may be professional enough to sneak over the line.
Prediction: 1-2
Steviano
The Hammers are stuttering a little with no win in three but have had close games in all of them. Chelsea are also stuttering by their own standards albeit not losing games – the absence of James and Chilwell is a blow though and I think Moyes resilience will see them get the point here.
Prediction: 1-1
Newcastle (#20, 7pts) vs Burnley (#18, 10pts)
Pintsized
The Toons have looked far more assured at the back with Martin Dubravka between the sticks. With a call-up likely for Jamal Lewis, Burnley’s, Maxwel Cornet, will be licking his lips. Dwight McNeil’s presence on the left-wing has opened up space for Cornet to drive at defenders and slot home five goals in eight games already. Never doubt a Dyche side.
Prediction: 1-2
Ryan
Newcastle should have been beaten Norwich, even with 10 men. They bottled one of their best opportunities to finally get their first victory of the season. Perhaps January will be too late. Speaking of teams that don’t win too often, Burnley predictably played out a stinky 0-0 against Wolves where they were much happier with the point there. Two teams that can’t win playing against each other, this just seems like a no-brainer draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Steviano
Surely something has to go right for the Toon at some point – suicidal defending saw them miss out on the chance of their first win of the season against the Canaries by playing virtually the whole game with 10 men. Dyche’s team meanwhile are back to grinding out results with 4 draws in their last 5 games. Without a defence Newcastle will have to attack in this one and this could kickstart their Howedini-like escape from relegation.
Prediction: 2-1
Wolves (#8, 21pts) vs Liverpool (#3, 31pts)
Pintsized
No mystic ball could predict what Wolves’ offence we will be seeing. Bruno Lage’s men can create many chances but fail to convert any or they freeze for 90minutes like an awkward school disco. After thumping local rivals, Everton, 4-1, the Liverpool dressing room will be flying. They are not far off the pace of the top of the table and Diogo Jota seems to have wrestled Firmino’s starting spot even after recovery.
Prediction: 0-2
Ryan
Wolves’ fans suffered through 90 minutes of their lives that they’ll never get back against Burnley with only a draw to show for it. Liverpool proved themselves to be undisputed kings of the city in a 4-1 thrashing over their rivals. This should be fairly predictable and a routine win for the Scousers.
Prediction: 0-2
Steviano
One goal in their last 4 games does not point to Wolves having the ammunition to stop a rampant Reds who have scored 4 on each of their last 3 games. Wolves lengthy injury list won’t help either and this should only go one way.
Prediction: 1-4
Southampton (#16, 15pts) vs Brighton (#9, 19pts)
Pintsized
With a combined twenty-six goals between them, both teams could be criticised for their lack of killer instinct in front of goal. Of course, the week that I slate Neal Maupay, the celebration merchant bags one in the dying minutes against my beloved Hammers. No Jan Bednarek leaves Southampton a little light at the back, but I’m expecting this to be a quiet affair between two counter-attacking units.
Prediction: 1-1
Ryan
A south coast derby of sorts sees both teams meeting each other following a pair of respectable draws against Leicester and West Ham respectively. Whilst I was tempted with another draw, I have a feeling the Saints will sneak over the line with home advantage spurring them on.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
I really can’t get to excited about this fixture – Brighton’s early season promise has faded as they lack the goals their general play deserves and Southampton are just underwhelming. Snorefest of a Southampton victory.
Prediction: 2-1
Watford (#17, 13pts) vs Man City (#2, 32pts)
Pintsized
Watford are due a half-decent result, but this has embarrassment written all over it. If Chelsea drop points to West Ham earlier in the day, Pep will push City to close the wide goal difference between themselves and Chelsea. Ranieri’s Watford are pretty fun to watch but it would take a (not so surprising) miracle to stop City’s path to the top.
Prediction: 0-3
Ryan
You have to feel somewhat sorry for Watford having to play title contenders back to back but that’s the way the cookie crumbles just like the home side’s defence. This will play into a rampant City’s hands who should have an easier task of it than they did against Aston Villa. Away win here.
Prediction: 1-3
Steviano
Both teams have long injury lists with City missing an entire defence but clearly with the stronger squad depth. Watford made Chelsea work for their win last time out whist City almost let Villa back in after dominating early on. Should be a City win but any more injuries will see if the Academy prospects are up to the job.
Prediction: 1-3
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 15: Sunday, 5 December
Leeds (#15, 15pts) vs Brentford (#12, 16pts)
Pintsized
Just how much will that late Leeds win mean for the Yorkshire outfit? There is no denying that the fanatically followed club have suffered from second season struggles. Brentford appear to be yo-yo-ing in the wrong direction after a blistering start. As such, Leeds vs Brentford represents the perfect crossroads match between two Championship level teams that are efficiently and effectively ran.
Prediction: 2-2
Ryan
Leeds were somewhat lucky to get a win against Palace thanks to a moment of madness from Guehi. Brentford were not as lucky and actually deserved to go down without a fight against Spurs. This could still be on their minds and could be a great opportunity for Leeds to get a win streak of sorts going.
Prediction: 1-0
Steviano
Leeds are nearly back to full strength with the potential for Bamford & Ayling to return in this one which would make them the favourites for me. Brentford are struggling after their promising start in the top flight as teams are not underestimating them now – hopefully they will be able to survive this season but I don’t see them taking anything from this one.
Prediction: 2-1
Man United (#7, 21pts) vs Crystal Palace (#11, 16pts)
Pintsized
Fred played a blinder against Arsenal. There are two paths for the Brazilian. Ralf allowed Fred to run his socks off for ninety minutes and create real havoc on an opponent’s shape. Alternatively, Ralf ships off the inconsistent firecracker. CR7 continues to age like fine wine, however, and will find a more defined role under the new managership. Palace will still be reeling after conceding so late to Leeds, but their season is far from over. If they could start to convert draws to either side, they are only a handful of points off breaking into the top half of the table.
Prediction: 3-1
Ryan
Carrickball came to a victorious end against Arsenal with a 3-1 win (are we seriously counting that first goal?) and in comes Herr Ragnick. This is quite an ideal time for Ralf to make his mark against a Palace side who shouldn’t have lost at Elland Road. New manager bounce will push United on.
Prediction: 3-1
Steviano
The Eagles are perched comfortably in mid-table which is a major achievement given the massive re-build which has happened under Viera but the interim manager bounce at United will be on show for the first time as Ralf takes the reins. It will be interesting to see what he can do with a squad which has largely underperformed to it’s capabilities.
Prediction: 3-1
Tottenham (#6, 22pts) vs Norwich (#19, 10pts)
Pintsized
Ben Davies continues to steal a living. It had to be said. Antonio Conte has started to show his identity on the pitch with Spurs dominantly seeing out a visiting Brentford side. Norwich showed cracks in their rebuild under Dean Smith after they almost failed to take anything from a match against 10-men. You can never rule out Spurs bottling an easy result, however.
Prediction: 2-1
Ryan
Spurs did a good job against a Brentford side who have caused most of the league more than a few problems. Norwich meanwhile continue to look stronger with Dean Smith at the helm and stole a point against fellow relegation strugglers Newcastle. I expect Spurs to do another professional job against another promoted team although it won’t be a thrashing as many might predict.
Prediction: 2-0
Steviano
I can’t believe I’m saying that Norwich are one of the form teams of the Premier League – points from 12, unbeaten in 4 and apparently fixing a defence that had more leaks than a Tory cabinet meeting. They are travelling though to a Tottenham team looking for their record of winning every home game under Conte which should stetch from 2 to 3 after this one.
Prediction: 2-0
Aston Villa (#13, 16pts) vs Leicester (#10, 19pts)
Pintsized
Match of the weekend in terms of entertainment. Stevie G’s arrival has coincided with Ollie Watkins finding his feet, while Brendan Rodgers has adopted an ‘outscore them’ approach this season. Jamie Vardy looks to have returned to his lethal best, no doubt in part due to service from a renewed, James Maddison. Not much to be said about this game other than it will be an open-ended banger with a fair share of goals.
Prediction: 3-2
Ryan
Steven Gerrard has really got his Villa side back to near their best and gave title contending City a very tough game despite a loss. Leicester remain consistently inconsistent and thus very difficult to predict. This could be an entertaining watch and I’ll go for a score draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Steviano
Stevie G’s winning run came to an end against Man City last time out but after being totally outplayed in the first half they showed character in the second and I think Mr G will have learnt a lot about his players from the game and I think they will win this one. Leicester just can’t get going primarily due to the fourth worst defence in the division – it’s a good job they can score!
Prediction: 2-1
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 15: Monday, 6 December
Everton (#14, 15pts) vs Arsenal (#5, 23pts)
Pintsized
Here we go again. Arsenal will sneak a victory over a clearly struggling team, inflate their position in the league table, then break apart when facing a moderate challenge. Aside from one (admittedly) sharp counter-attack and a freak goal, Arsenal offered nothing. Now, Rafa’s fat injury list will pretty much hamper any chances of the Spaniard securing a win. The media has started to place a lot of pressure on Rafa’s results, but he has been missing an entire midfield for most of the season. Has anyone seen Gylfi recently?
Prediction: 1-2
Ryan
I know they have a long and unenviable injury list but Everton didn’t put up much resistance against their rivals piling more pressure on Rafa. Arsenal showed flashes of decent play against Man United but ultimately proved that they lacked the quality required to remain a big threat throughout the season. This is more at Arsenal’s level right now and they should prove to be too much for a depleted Toffees side.
Prediction: 0-1
Steviano
Everton appear to be in free fall currently and the dreaded chairman’s vote of confidence has already rung out for Rafa. In fairness to Benitez he has inherited a hotch-potch of a squad with dubious big money signings from multiple managers before him and lost his main striker to injury. Arsenal were blown away by the red half of Merseyside a couple of games ago but this should be a far happier trip for them.
Prediction: 0-2
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