We’re back for another round of Premier League predictions – this time, we’ll be going cross-site to take on our good friends at Football Muse.
Last time out, we were defeated by Joey Peeps – oof, madone! Let me tell you a couple or three things – we certainly ain’t no Quasimodo.
With the North London derby and Manchester City taking on Newcastle United this weekend, who will come out on top this time around?
Aston Villa vs Leeds United
Essential Football: Aston Villa have hit a bit of speedbump in terms of their form. A win over a lacklustre Brighton outfit last time out did little to paper over the cracks.
Despite this, Leeds have struggled manfully on the road this season. Meanwhile, the Villans are very strong at home – but we feel that the Whites will have enough in their locker to snatch a draw.
EF Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Leeds United
Football Muse: Two wins in six in the Premier League for Aston Villa, coupled with a disappointing FA Cup exit, have seen title talk disappear.
However, just two teams have taken more points at home than Unai Emery’s men this season. Leeds, meanwhile, are poor travellers with only 26% of their points won on the road. Villa should have enough to get over the line here.
FM Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Leeds United
Brentford vs Brighton
Essential Football: Somehow, Keith Andrews has managed to build upon and surpass the legacy of Thomas Frank at Brentford. He is doing a phenomenal job in charge of the Bees, as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League table.
Brighton, on the other hand, are spinning their wheels. Fabian Hurzeler’s inexperience has begun to show – it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to break down such a rugged outfit.
EF Prediction: Brentford 2-0 Brighton
Football Muse: Brentford head coach Keith Andrews really ought to be in Manager of the Season conversations.
Despite big name exits, Brentford are pushing for Europe. Brighton, in contrast, have become muddled under Fabian Hurzeler and lack identity.
FM Prediction: Brentford 3-1 Brighton
Chelsea vs Burnley
Essential Football: Chelsea have picked up since Liam Rosenior arrived at the club – Burnley, meanwhile, are still mired in a relegation fight.
While the Clarets were victorious last time out, the Blues will have far too much for them. They’ll put up a fight, but a Chelsea win seems inevitable.
EF Prediction: Chelsea 4-2 Burnley
Football Muse: Burnley breathed some life into their survival fight last time out, but remain up against it. Few will expect Scott Parker to get a result against his former team this weekend.
Chelsea have made a positive start under Liam Rosenior and we expect that to continue at Stamford Bridge.
FM Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Burnley
West Ham United vs Bournemouth
Essential Football: West Ham are enjoying a bouyant spell of form as of late, but so are Bournemouth – on paper, the Cherries have a much stronger squad.
Furthermore, the Hammers have struggled at the London Stadium this season. As such, a Cherries win seems like the most likely outcome.
EF Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Bournemouth
Football Muse: No team in the Premier League has won more points than Bournemouth across their last six games (14), a figure matched only by Manchester United. Andoni Iraola and the Cherries’ recruitment team deserve huge credit for combatting big losses and continuing to impress. Rayan, who arrived as Antoine Semenyo’s replacement, as hit the ground running on the South Coast.
Their opponents, West Ham, are scrapping for survival. Three wins in their last six have given the Hammers hope, as does a strong record in this fixture. West Ham are unbeaten in the last 10 meetings in all competitions. Five of the last six have been draws and we predict another stalemate here.
FM Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Bournemouth