2021/22 Premier League Predictions & Results: Matchday 26
Pintsized Background
With a huge weekend of combat sports looming, Steviano and Ryan have had to do the heavy lifting with the analysis this week. Will it help them overcome Pintsized, who is well and truly ahead in the predicting race? Probably not ;).
Pintsized content from the week before:
Preview: Premier League Predictions: Matchday 25
Review: Premier League Review: Matchday 25
Statistics: Football Statistics: Matchday 25
PI’s Recommended Match: Leicester City vs West Ham
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Bitesize Predictions
| Fixtures | Pintsized | Ryan | Steviano | Results |
| Saturday, 19 February | ||||
| West Ham vs Newcastle | 1-0 | 3-1 | 2-1 | 1-1 |
| Arsenal vs Brentford | 1-1 | 2-0 | 3-0 | 2-1 |
| Brighton vs Burnley | 1-0 | 1-1 | 0-1 | 0-3 |
| Liverpool vs Norwich | 4-0 | 4-0 | 5-0 | 3-1 |
| Southampton vs Everton | 1-0 | 2-1 | 2-1 | 2-0 |
| Aston Villa vs Watford | 2-0 | 2-0 | 2-0 | 0-1 |
| Crystal Palace vs Chelsea | 1-1 | 0-3 | 1-2 | 0-1 |
| Man City vs Spurs | 3-1 | 3-0 | 2-1 | 2-3 |
| Sunday, 20 February | ||||
| Leeds vs Man United | 0-1 | 0-1 | 1-2 | 2-4 |
| Wolves vs Leicester | 2-0 | 2-1 | 1-0 | 2-1 |
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 26
Saturday, 19 February
West Ham (#5, 41pts) vs Newcastle (#17, 21pts)
Pintsized
Newcastle’s financially aided resurgence has seen them climb out of the relegation zone and assure fans they will remain the PL for the unforeseen future. Jarrod Bowen’s freakish form has me worried as a Hammer, the English tag could see one of the bigger clubs shooting for him. Lots of chances to be created but not much to show for it in this affair.
Prediction: 1-0
Ryan
Two teams with a lot to play for at opposite ends of the table. West Ham are looking to re-enter the Top 4 once again whilst Newcastle are looking to retain their Premier League for next season. I would have predicted a closer game with both teams at full strength but the injury to Trippier will be a big difference maker and puts a dent in their survival hopes. It should also the home team an easier path to victory.
Prediction: 3-1
Steviano
The Hammers have struggled with one win in 4 but still sit 5th in the league and with a relatively healthy squad which favours a return to form against a Newcastle team coming off 3 b2b wins but who have lost Trippier potentially for the season and for me was their key signing in the Jan window.
Prediction: 2-1
Arsenal (#6, 39pts) vs Brentford (#14, 24pts)
Pintsized
Hahaha, the return of Cedric Soares beckons. While a fully fit Ivan Toney would exploit Arsenal’s soft underbelly, Brentford’s nightmare form is a real worry. Relegation still feels like a distant fear, but Thomas Frank needs points desperately. With only Lacazette up top, Brentford’s exhausted defence may be able to hold onto something at the Emirates.
Prediction: 1-1
Ryan
It feels like a lifetime ago since this game kicked off the 21/22 season but not much has changed to be fair since then for these teams. Arsenal remain inconsistent and Brentford have maintained a solid platform throughout the season. A grinding victory for Arsenal on the cards.
Prediction: 2-0
Steviano
Brentford halted their losing streak last time out at home to Palace but this will be a more difficult test especially if they are still missing Toney and I expect Arsenal to win comfortably.
Prediction: 3-0
Brighton (#9, 33pts) vs Burnley (#20, 14pts)
Pintsized
It would be a great surprise to see Yves Bissmouma stay at Brighton for the 2022/23 season. It is a crying shame as Graham Potter looks to be building something special at Brighton at times, even with pieces like Shane Duffy and Danny Welbeck. Burnley looked doomed to drop, even with Dyche at the helm and games in hand.
Prediction: 1-0
Ryan
Brighton are in the hunt for an unlikely European spot but they have been hit by suspensions and injuries recently. Burnley are in a fight for survival as they are scarily catching up on their games in hand without making up much ground. This is a good opportunity for the away team to take more points but they don’t seem to be capable of taking more than a draw at the moment.
Prediction: 1-1
Steviano
I would normally favour Brighton but the loss of Dan Burn and injury to Lewis Dunk may leave them susceptible to the giant Weghorst in a crucial game for Burnley who might just sneak this one.
Prediction: 0-1
Liverpool (#2, 54pts) vs Norwich (#18, 17pts)
Pintsized
Liverpool is the joint top highest goal scorer (tied with Manchester City on 61 goals), while Norwich has bled the leagues’ highest (50 goals). A high scoreline is very much par for the course, especially without Tim Krul between the sticks.
Prediction: 4-0
Ryan
Surely it’s only a question of how many rather than who here? The gap between second and first is probably too wide at this point for Liverpool to close but they should look to continue their good form for the other competitions they’re in. Norwich have found more of a spine with Dean Smith at the helm but this won’t help what should be a miserable day at Anfield.
Prediction: 4-0
Steviano
Oh dear this does not bode well for the Canaries with Liverpool flying high again with 4 straight wins and Norwich up to 50 goals conceded thanks to City’s demolition last time out – this could get ugly.
Prediction: 5-0
Southampton (#10, 29pts) vs Everton (#16, 22pts)
Pintsized
When will Gareth slot James Ward-Prowse into the England side? The Southampton midfielder has proved key behind a chump change squad punching far above their weight. DCL’s return will prove huge for Everton’s climb back up the table, albeit, the footballer turned model will need a couple more games to ease back into fitness. Donny’s presence also seems to be a big part in Lampard’s plans until summer.
Prediction: 1-0
Ryan
I don’t know why but this seems like a tough one to predict. Southampton are comfortably mid-table and Everton need some points to ensure they hold their record as one of the few unrelegated teams in the Premiership. I think this will be quite entertaining with home advantage tipping the balance in the Saints’ favour.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
Draws with both Manchester clubs and two wins in the last 5 see Southampton safely into mid table whilst Everton broke their winless streak at home to Leeds to give Frank a dream start however I expect the Saints to be marching on from this one.
Prediction: 2-1
Aston Villa (#12, 27pts) vs Watford (#19, 15pts)
Pintsized
How Steven Gerrard bounces back after a timid run of form will answer questions about his longevity in the big leagues. Watford’s coin flip attack can prove a potent threat, but they should be overrun in the midfield with McGinn, Ramsey and Coutinho carving up the grass.
Prediction: 2-0
Ryan
Two questions: Are Villa safe and thus playing for nothing? Are Watford doomed despite their umpteenth managerial change? If you answered yes to both of these questions, chances are you’d be correct. So I’ll preview this with the respect it deserves – home win.
Prediction: 2-0
Steviano
The Stevie G express appears to have slowed down in recent weeks and reality is setting in a bit more however they should be too strong for a Watford team failing to see any new manager bounce under Uncle Woy.
Prediction: 2-0
Crystal Palace (#13, 26pts) vs Chelsea (#3, 47pts)
Pintsized
This screams a forgettable draw. The loss of Conor Gallagher will crush Palace’s creativity in the middle of the park, but you’d be lucky to rustle much more out of Kai Havertz. Tuchel has been plagued throughout the season with silly draws, in part because of defensive frailties that stats have failed to show.
Prediction: 1-1
Ryan
It seems like a while since the newly crowned world champions played in the league but they return with a potentially tough trip to Selhurst Park. Palace however seem to be off-form at the moment and Tuchel will be happy to take the victory here.
Prediction: 0-3
Steviano
Palace are without a win in 5 and will struggle to put that right against Chelsea. Chelsea are not the same team without Chilwell & James but should have too much overall quality for Palace.
Prediction: 1-2
Man City (#1, 63pts) vs Tottenham (#8, 36pts)
Pintsized
Antonio Conte shouldn’t be judged on his performance with a dire Tottenham side until he can get to work rebuilding in the summer. Meanwhile, Manchester City will continue to make a mockery of the league.
Prediction: 3-1
Ryan
Man City look firmly in control of the title race with no sign of stopping any time soon. A trash Tottenham team won’t be changing that this weekend. They have looked thoroughly beaten down recently by terrible home losses to Southampton and Wolves. Although an opening day win against their opponents will give them hope, it’s a safe bet they’ll continue their losing streak instead.
Prediction: 3-0
Steviano
Conte will be desperate to halt a 3 match losing streak and I expect him to emphasise the defensive aspect in this game – a sneaky draw wouldn’t surprise me but City should have too much strength.
Prediction: 2-1
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 26
Sunday, 20 February
Leeds (#15, 23pts) vs Man United (#4, 43pts)
Pintsized
Leeds injury list is almost comical, having featured every star player from the squad at some point this season. United’s mid-week media beef between Maguire and Ronaldo may be more smoke than fire, but once again highlights the internal issues plaguing United’s dressing room. Rangnick will need napalm if he wants to restore the once-great team.
Prediction: 0-1
Ryan
Please can the away team win this one? Leeds have flattered to deceive for most of this season and no doubt they’ll want to play this like their ‘cup final’. Somehow United managed to break their frustrating drawing streak against Brighton but not without their troubles in the match. Never expect a comfortable win for United because it just doesn’t happen. Leeds are very beatable and I’ll go with my heart and stick with an away win.
Prediction: 0-1
Steviano
Leeds have struggled with injuries all season and nothing is changed this week whilst Man U appear to have off field issues which are blighting theirs – the one thing that is certain is that the atmosphere will be hostile which might fire up Ronaldo to make the difference again
Prediction: 1-2
Wolves (#7, 37pts) vs Leicester (#11, 27pts)
Pintsized
Boring to some, but Bruno Lage’s Wolves are my ‘extra saucy Burnley’. Leicester could rival Leeds in regards to an injury list, but it will harm them against Wolves. Both teams have proven toothless regularly throughout the season, but it will truly be a Leicester B team on Sunday.
Prediction: 2-0
Ryan
A Midlands derby comes in the top half of the table with one side very firmly in the hunt for European football. Not many would have predicted that side would have been Wolves though. Leicester have been incredibly up and down this season and coming up against a more consistent and solid outfit, this will be a problem. Home win.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
Leicester have also suffered badly with key players injured this season whilst Wolves are knocking on the door of Europe whilst averaging less than a goal a game – they seem to have taken the George Graham blueprint for success and run with it.
Prediction: 1-0
TIPPING JAR
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.