2021/22 Premier League Predictions: Matchday 28
Pintsized Background
Out with Marcelo Bielsa, In with the next Ted Lasso. Leeds are just the next team to engage with the manager carousel. Expect far more heads to roll as the season draws towards the final curtains. Wacky scores, relegation heroics and a newly ignited title fight should make the Premier League Predictions extra spicy.
Pintsized Football content from the week before:
🚀 Preview: Premier League Predictions: Matchday 27
📊 Statistics: Premier League Statistics: Matchday 27
⚽ PI’s Recommended Match: Crystal Palace vs Burnley
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Bitesize Predictions
| Fixtures | Pintsized | Ryan | Steviano | Results |
| Saturday, 5 March | ||||
| Leicester vs Leeds | 2-0 | 3-1 | 2-1 | 1-0 |
| Burnley vs Chelsea | 1-0 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 0-4 |
| Aston Villa vs Southampton | 2-1 | 2-1 | 2-1 | 4-0 |
| Norwich vs Brentford | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1-3 | 1-3 |
| Newcastle vs Brighton | 1-1 | 2-1 | 2-0 | 2-1 |
| Wolves vs Crystal Palace | 1-0 | 0-0 | 1-0 | 0-2 |
| Liverpool vs West Ham | 3-1 | 2-1 | 2-0 | 1-0 |
| Sunday, 6 March | ||||
| Watford vs Arsenal | 0-2 | 0-3 | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Man City vs Man United | 2-0 | 1-0 | 3-2 | 4-1 |
| Monday, 7 March | ||||
| Spurs vs Everton | 3-1 | 2-1 | 2-0 | 5-0 |
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 28
Saturday, 5 March
Leicester (#12, 30pts) vs Leeds (#16, 23pts)
Pintsized
Two teams devoid of any form, Leeds should at least be boosted by the newly appointed helmsman, Jesse Marsch. Shipping a staggering 60 goals saw Bielsa receive the chop, but with such a long list of injuries, it is a head-scratcher to believe anyone else could squeeze anything out of the current squad. Jamie Vardy’s return with a goal and assist once again proves the fragility of the Foxes’ attack without the main man.
Prediction: 2-0
Ryan
Despite Leeds’ previous erratic nature with sacking managers, it was still a surprise to see Bielsa receive his P45. His stubborn refusal to change approach somewhat justified this decision though. Whereas the away team may receive a new manager bounce, Leicester received a return bounce in the form of their a Vardy party. This seemed to transform the Foxes against Burnley and I predict them to run through an injury-plagued Leeds.
Prediction: 3-1
Steviano
Difficult one to predict with Leicester finally getting a win last time out and injury worries starting to ease facing a Leeds team losing four on the bounce but looking for a new manager rebound. I expect Leeds to put up more resistance than there last drubbing at home to Spurs but think this is too early for Marsch to make a real impact.
Prediction: 2-1
Burnley (#18, 21pts) vs Chelsea (#3, 50pts)
Pintsized
Surely, Chelsea’s megabucks defence can deal with Burnley’s humble strikeforce of Jay Rodriguez and Wout Weghorst? The brain is screaming that Thiago Silva is innumerable levels above the Dutch lump. Somehow though, the heart believes the 6’5″ menace could cause problems for Rudiger and Chalobah. Here’s my foolish pick of the week.
Prediction: 1-0
Ryan
Initially I was tempted to go for a draw for this one. Burnley are doing everything in their power to prove why they deserve to remain in the Premier League through rugged Dycheball. Chelsea fell on the wrong side of Lady Luck in the League Cup so will be looking for a quick recovery. This will be a much tougher game for them now than it would have been some months ago but I still fancy them to edge a nervy victory.
Prediction: 1-2
Steviano
Burnley hops of the great escape were dented with a home loss to Leicester mid-week and I fear more misery for them here against a Chelsea team not in sparkling form but with too much class and I don’t expect their off the field issues to impact this one.
Prediction: 1-2
Aston Villa (#13, 30pts) vs Southampton (#9, 35pts)
Pintsized
James Ward-Prowse better watch himself. A few more stellar performances and he will be torn apart from boyhood club, Southampton, into the jaws of one top-six. Lucas Digne’s strong showings since his January move throw more fuel on the dumpster fire that is Everton. Southampton’s compact approach could catch frustrate Villa, but at home and with a recent win under their belt, Gerrard’s extra quality in the XI will edge the affair.
Prediction: 2-1
Ryan
Battle of the mid-table floaters. Neither team has much to play for other than upsetting the apple cart at the top or bottom of the league. Aston Villa have more star quality than one would imagine when running through their squad whilst the Saints are punching way above their weight at the moment with the players they have (hidden gem Broja aside). Any result is possible here but I’ll go for a home victory.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
Southampton are on a great run of form and will be high on confidence travelling to Villa Park but Gerard will look to build on the encouraging win last time out at Brighton and will want to regain his earlier momentum. Close game but Villa to sneak it.
Prediction: 2-1
Norwich (#20, 17pts) vs Brentford (#15, 24pts)
Pintsized
Oh boy, this is a real fun relegation scrap. Brentford may be sitting three points above the drop, but they are at least one game ahead of the teams sitting in the relegation zone. With just the one PL win in 2022 (over two months ago), Thomas Frank can not stop haemorrhaging goals. Norwich looked far more solid under Dean Smith before their recent run of horrible match-ups (Man City & Liverpool). Foolishly backing the Canaries.
Prediction: 1-0
Ryan
Did someone say relegation six-pointer? Expect to see that comment pop up more often than not in the coming weeks as we reach the business end of the season. Norwich are offering more character than at the start of the season but lack the quality to capitalise on this and survive. Rather more worryingly is the drop-off in form of Brentford who are dangerously close to a relegation fight now. A home loss to Newcastle didn’t help quell worries and oddly enough, this is probably one of the last matches they would have wanted at this point. The pressure on them will prove to be the difference as Norwich score another unlikely win.
Prediction: 1-0
Steviano
The Canaries are back to the bottom of the table with three b2b defeats ending a mini revival. Brentford are in a slump but have a genuine goal threat in Toney which could be the difference in a must-win game for both sides which should be open and entertaining although not necessarily for the right reasons.
Prediction: 1-3
Newcastle (#14, 25pts) vs Brighton (#10, 33pts)
Pintsized
Newcastle’s 4-0-1 form in the last five looks exceptional on paper. The cause has been heavily attributed to a bolstered squad following the January transfer window. Scratching beneath the surface, however, reveals Newcastle have benefitted from their opponent’s dip in form. Leeds, Everton, Aston Villa and Brentford have all struggled since the start of 2022 – and with the loss of Kieran Trippier, Newcastle’s defence once again has a hole in their wings. Brighton is struggling after the loss of Dan Burn, this could get ugly.
Prediction: 1-1
Ryan
Newcastle are staying up. They are unironically the in-form team in the Premier League at the moment and their January spree has almost predictably rocketed them out of danger. Brighton were once the in-form team to watch but they’ve fallen out of European contention and seem destined for mid-table purgatory. I expect both of these trends to continue this weekend with a home win.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
Four wins out of five have pulled Newcastle away from the immediate relegation zone and with only Liverpool showing better form. Brighton haven’t scored in their last 3 defeats and this may be another blank sheet against the Toon’s improved defence.
Prediction: 2-0
Wolves (#8, 40pts) vs Crystal Palace (#11, 30pts)
Pintsized
You have to wonder whether Wolves fans are happy in their current state? Bruno Lage has managed to crack the defensive game, shipping just 21 goals this season, yet has only managed a pitiful 24 goals at the other end. To put that into perspective, only Norwich have managed to net less (a comical 15 goals scored). Vieira’s Palace may have blown hot and cold throughout the season, but it is has been a rollercoaster to watch as a neutral.
Prediction: 1-0
Ryan
Wolves are very much in the hunt for Europe but Top 4 may be a stretch following their disappointing loss to West Ham. Crystal Palace are another mid-table team but still have the FA Cup to play for this season. This could be a distraction for them and a welcome boost for their future opponents. I don’t see this being a high scorer so I’ll plump for a draw.
Prediction: 0-0
Steviano
Having tipped Viera’s Palace side for relegation at the start of the season I am more inclined to put him forward as manager of the season as the Eagles sit relatively comfortably mid-table despite changing most of the squad. Wolves have similarly over achieved against expectations and an outside chance of European football. Wolves to return to 1-0 winning ways in this one.
Prediction: 1
Liverpool (#2, 60pts) vs West Ham (#5, 45pts)
Pintsized
West Ham just have to face Liverpool when they are in scorching form! After Manchester City slipped up against the Spuds, Klopp will be foaming at his dazzling white gnashers to close the once seemingly insurmountable gap at the top of the table. I’m a simple man. I luv me Moyes. I luv me Antonio. Unfortunately, I am also enough of a realist to know this will be a brutal ‘smash n grab’ by the Scousers.
Prediction: 3-1
Ryan
This is a big game near the top of the table with big implications for both sides. One team looking for the title and another looking for unlikely Champions League football. This should be a good watch with a lot of quality on display. As revenge for the reverse fixture earlier this season, I’ll edge a home win here.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
I fear the demands on Moyes relatively small squad is catching up with them and despite a run of four games unbeaten they are coming up against a Liverpool team in prime form with the first trophy of the season, a promising new arrival in Diaz and stars all safely returned from AFCON duty.
Prediction: 2-0
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 28
Sunday, 6 March
Watford (#19, 19pts) vs Arsenal (#6, 45pts)
Pintsized
Good ‘ol Woy. A bit piece squad of Championship players, an ever-growing injury list and a dressing room lacking any faith, yet the former England manager still managed to squeak a point at Old Trafford. Arsenal bundled past Wolves and Brentford, but I am adamant that their position in the table is heavily inflated. Still… this Watford side is atrocious.
Prediction: 0-2
Ryan
Watford are going down. Don’t let last week’s undeserved and unlikely draw get in the way of that. Ben Foster will not play like prime Edwin Van Der Sar in consecutive weeks and this is not their ‘cup final’ now. Arsenal should have too much quality for them despite their inconsistent nature.
Prediction: 0-3
Steviano
Arsenal are knocking on the top 4 door at three points of Utd but with three games in hand – they should continue there good form against a Watford team who lack any real bite and have yet to be inspired by Uncle Roy.
Prediction: 1-2
Manchester City (#1, 66pts) vs Manchester United (#4, 47pts)
Pintsized
D D D Derby time. Jail FC may have snagged City’s, Benjamin Mendy, and United’s, Mason Greenwood, but this should still be a barnburner at the Etihad Stadium. City has to be considered heavy, heavy favourites, but the Manchester derby has long existed in a vacuum of its own. Silly things such as form need not apply when Red meets Blue.
Prediction: 2-0
Ryan
Another game near the top of the table with implications for both sides. One team chasing the title and another hoping for Champions League football. This is literally a copy and paste of Liverpool vs West Ham. The champions have not been overly convincing recently but they are getting the job done and will fancy their chances against the bottlejobs at Old Trafford. I’ll sum up United’s situation simply – if you don’t score a single goal from 20+ shots against a doomed Watford, what are the chances when you get significantly fewer opportunities in a much tougher game? City will sludge over the line in another overhyped, boring derby.
Prediction: 1-0
Steviano
Form tends to go out of the window in this one – City are still stop but results and performances have been off their usual gold standard in the last few weeks, this may be the game that kick starts them back info form or hands Liverpool the initiative in the title race.
Prediction: 3-2
Premier League Predictions: Matchday 28
Monday, 7 March
Tottenham (#7, 42pts) vs Everton (#17, 22pts)
Pintsized
Crikey, Everton are wobbling towards relegation. Long gone are the plans of an Ancelloti-led Champions League run. Instead, the Toffees fans can celebrate a stacked midfield of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan and Donny van de Beek. Antonio Conte has been unable to cure the terminal illness of ‘Spursy’, but Everton’s away form is the worst in the league. Surely not even Tottenham could bottle this freebie?
Prediction: 3-1
Ryan
Two sides desperately out of form have an opportunity to right their recent wrongs. Spurs have been up and down with some particularly pathetic downs to boot. Everton have seen their new manager bounce almost instantly evaporate with no real positive moments. That being said, another VAR balls-up cost the Toffees an unlikely point against City last time out. Any result is possible again but I think Spurs will be unconvincing in their victory.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
It doesn’t appear the £40m Ali gamble for Frank is paying off, they put up a more spirited performance against City last week with a legitimate penalty shout but still only managed two shots on target. Spurs are not a great watch under Conte but will grind out a result in this one
Prediction: 2-0
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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.