2021/22 Premier League Predictions: Matchday 25
Pintsized Background
After a PL return of mid-week madness, not much has changed at the top end of the table. Manchester City continues to prove that money can indeed buy titles, Liverpool is mounting a respectable yet futile push and West Ham desperately clings to their fourth spot. At the other end, Newcastle’s convincing win over Everton allowed the Geordies to climb out of the relegation zone, while Watford and Burnley offer little to suggest anything other than a future in the Championship. Expect a couple feline related jokes too.
Pintsized content from the week before:
Preview: Premier League Predictions: Matchday 24
Review: Premier League Review: Matchday 24
Statistics: Football Statistics: Matchday 24
PI’s Recommended Match: Aston Villa vs Leeds United
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Bitesize Predictions
| Fixtures | Pintsized | Ryan | Steviano | Results |
| Saturday, 12 February | ||||
| Man United vs Southampton | 3-1 | 1-1 | 2-1 | 1-1 |
| Watford vs Brighton | 0-2 | 2-0 | 1-0 | 0-2 |
| Brentford vs Crystal Palace | 2-2 | 2-1 | 1-2 | 0-0 |
| Everton vs Leeds | 1-1 | 2-2 | 2-3 | 3-0 |
| Norwich vs Man City | 0-3 | 0-4 | 0-4 | 0-4 |
| Sunday, 13 February | ||||
| Spurs vs Wolves | 1-1 | 0-0 | 1-1 | 0-2 |
| Newcastle vs Aston Villa | 2-3 | 3-1 | 2-1 | 1-0 |
| Burnley vs Liverpool | 0-2 | 0-3 | 1-3 | 0-1 |
| Leicester vs West Ham | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-1 | 2-2 |
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 25
Saturday, 12 February
Manchester United (#6, 39pts) vs Southampton (#10, 28pts)
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Sure, United may have been held to a point against Burnley, but a couple of dodgy refereeing decisions helped to blunt an otherwise impressive performance. The cogs appear to be linking in Rangnick’s master plan, even counting Maguire’s defensive blunders. Southampton clawed a huge victory from the jaws of defeat against Spurs, but Hasenhuttl’s side have blown hot and cold throughout the season. United to out-score Southampton in a stellar performance.
Prediction: 3-1
Ryan
Life as a United fan is still as frustrating as ever. Turning into the biggest bottlejobs in the league, any opposing team will fancy their chances. Cue a Southampton buzzing after a big away win at Spurs. With current trends, that’s going to be another draw if the home team are lucky.
Prediction: 1-1
Steviano
Prediction: 2-1
Watford (#19, 15pts) vs Brighton (#9, 30pts)
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Ol’ Woy hasn’t had a sparkling beginning to his Watford chapter, although he can count himself pretty unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty against Burnley. Emmanuel Dennis didn’t hit the ground running after his return from suspension, yet I suspect the Nigerian will play a crucial role in the Hornets’ fight to survive. Three draws in a row for Brighton has seen them slide to mid-table, yet Europa League must remain a key target for the Seagulls. Yves Bissouma’s return will likely see Brighton quietly work their way back up the table.
Prediction: 0-2
Ryan
Watford are very likely to be shooting back down to the Championship whilst Brighton are aiming for the bright lights of European football. So why have I gone for a home win? Well we’re due a shock win down the bottom of the league and this seems like the prime opportunity for that to come.
Prediction: 2-0
Steviano
Prediction: 1-0
Brentford (#14, 23pts) vs Crystal Palace (#13, 25pts)
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Damn, Brentford really do be slidin. Ivan Toney remains one of the only bright sparks during a dismal period for the Bees, desperately waiting for Christian Eriksen to rejuvenate a stale midfield. Palace fans will be furious to have taken only a point away at Carrow Road, yet Tyrick Mitchell’s tireless performance will have inspired many in equal part. The Eagles’ young squad are primed to evolve into a real threat in a couple of years. Wilfried Zaha should have a field day against this disorganised Brentford defence.
Prediction: 2-2
Ryan
Brentford are buzzing this season in general and a loss at the champions won’t dampen their spirits. Against a middling Palace with nothing to play for and the home team buoyed by a Danish miracle in Christian Eriksen, a home win seems like a strong bet.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
Prediction: 1-2
Everton (#16, 19pts) vs Leeds (#15, 23pts)
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Four L’s in a row and suddenly a relegation battle seems to be a more realistic near future for the Merseysiders. Lampard hasn’t had much time to get to grips with his squad, but best of luck inspiring Dele Alli into leading a charge off the bottom half of the table. Meanwhile, Leeds carry on fighting tooth and nail for every scrap of points. Dan James silenced me mid-week with an electric performance, long may it continue – it is always nice to see a Home Nations prospect blossom.
Prediction: 1-1
Ryan
These are two of the most unpredictable teams in the league and when you pair them together, any result would be realistic. Both are at the wrong end of the table but I can see an entertaining draw on the cards.
Prediction: 2-2
Steviano
Prediction: 2-3
Norwich (#18, 17pts) vs Man City (#1, 60pts)
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Ouch. Even with Dean Smith managing to steady the ship a little at Norwich, this will be a painful match to watch. Teemu Pukki is a solid goal-scorer, but he will find no time or space against City’s insanely coordinated backline. The sort of match where Jack Grealish will bag a hat-trick and the fanboys on Twitter can pretend it’s been a top signing.
Prediction: 0-3
Ryan
Good luck Norwich, you’re going to need it. The champions are on a roll and they’re looking to continue their momentum at Carrie Road. Although the last trip here was surprisingly unsuccessful for the visitors, lightning will not strike twice.
Prediction: 0-4
Steviano
Prediction: 0-4
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 25
Sunday, 13 February
Tottenham (#7, 36pts) vs Wolves (#8, 34pts)
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Two dud matches in a row for Conte, with Southampton’s late sting in the tail a real sickener for the Italian. It is all well and good having Harry Kane back in fine form, but Ben Davies has needed to be replaced for a few years now – the Welshman is stealing a living. I was surprised to see Wolves fall to Arsenal in a scrappy affair, but Lage’s conservative style does sometimes fall into coin-flip affairs.
Prediction: 1-1
Ryan
An unlikely Top 4 match, this will not be a spectacle to watch for attacking football lovers. This is a case of two defensively minded managers playing a never ending game of chess with no winner in sight. The equivalent of this is a draw.
Prediction: 0-0
Steviano
Prediction: 1-1
Newcastle (#17, 18pts) vs Aston Villa (#11, 27pts)
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How good are Newcastle gonna be when Callum Wilson returns? Kieran Trippier whipping filth in time after time – a Howe mastermind in the making, get the documentary team scheduled. Philippe Coutinho will carve through Schar and Lascelles, but as seen mid-week, the Villa defence is prone to falling apart itself. Expecting a goal-fest.
Prediction: 2-3
Ryan
For the first time in what seems like ages, Newcastle are out of the relegation zone following a big win during the week. Villa are floating through the rest of the season with nothing particularly to aim for. For that reason, I’d give the advantage to the home side.
Prediction: 3-1
Steviano
Prediction: 2-1
Burnley (#20, 14pts) vs Liverpool (#2, 51pts)
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Despite my heart saying this will be a 0-0 Burnley special, my brain has to concede that Liverpool’s relentless attack will refuse to be denied. In-form Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Mohammed Salah is any manager’s dream combo up top. Burnley’s defence has proven typically stoic throughout the 21/22 season, but it will have to pray for a small miracle not to wilt under Liverpool’s ferocity.
Prediction: 0-2
Ryan
Burnley somehow managed to steal a point during the week thanks to a few assists in the form of terrible refereeing, questionable VAR and typical Maguire defending. Liverpool looked impressive and with the return of Salah and Mane, will look to continue their positive run of form here.
Prediction: 0-3
Steviano
Prediction: 1-3
Leicester (#12, 26pts) vs West Ham (#4, 40pts)
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WEST HAM ARE MASSIVE. Cat kicking central held onto their wafer think fourth-spot with a scrappy 1-0 over Watford. Michail Antonio’s return added meaning to Hammer’s attacks, while Jarrod Bowen continues to mock all those who dared doubt his jump to the PL. If it weren’t for Kasper Schmeichel heroics, Leicester could have easily conceded four or five. Rodgers’ neck edges dangerously closer to the chop as they hang perilously around mid-table.
Prediction: 1-2
Ryan
Is it harsh to say that Leicester have underachieved so far this season? Before stepping into an alternate universe and winning the league in 2016, Leicester were scrapping around in the lower leagues so to ‘just be in the Top 10’ right now is a big indicator of their rise over the years. Speaking of on the rise, West Ham find themselves back in the Top 4 where they deserve to be. In addition, they continue to be a threat in the Europa League which is not something their opponents can claim. Another catastrophic (pun intended) on the cards for the home team here.
Prediction: 1-2
Steviano
Prediction: 1-1
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Pintsized Interests is just a baby finding its first steps in the big, bad world of sports journalism. If you enjoy the content that is regularly uploaded then please consider donating via the link below. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and will go towards ensuring the survival of Pintsized Interests in the long-term.