Barclays Premier League Week 4 Predictions

Now that the international break (which is useless in my opinion since we just had the World Cup) is over I can dive into making some predictions for week 4. I'm also adding my favorite pick of the week into my weekly predictions now (Pick is written in red and bold). The analysis portion of these predictions will end up being relatively short due to the international break making me forget my instant reactions to week 3 and the fact that I'm running out of time to make these predictions. Hopefully I can improve on my 4-6 record from last week.

FINAL SCORES UPDATE

Week 3 Record: 4-6
Week 4 Record: 3-7
Season Record: 7-13


Arsenal vs. Manchester City

Prediction: 2-3

Analysis: I don't think anyone could have guessed Man City losing at the Etihad to Stoke. I think Man City will bounce back after the disappointing loss despite going to play against Arsenal at Emirates. Arsenal is also coming off a match where they struggled against Leicester and my gut was right about that game being more interesting than I predicted. This is an important game for both teams early in the season and in Man City's case, if they don't bounce back, Chelsea will quickly start running away with the league.


Sunderland vs. Tottenham

Prediction: 0-1

Analysis: Sunderland looked terrible against QPR in Week 3 (Yesssssssss) and Tottenham looked terrible against Liverpool (at White Hart Lane too!). I was right about Tottenham not being able to continue their winning ways but they should still be able to win this game. Sunderland is lucky they're at home and this game should end up being very close.


Stoke City vs. Leicester City

Prediction: 2-1

Analysis: Wow Stoke City beat Man City at the Etihad! Like I mentioned earlier, I don't think anyone saw that result coming. I really wanted to say this game will end 1-1 but with Stoke coming home after that huge win, momentum is completely on their side (even with Leicester getting a draw against Arsenal). Look for a 2-1 win instead.


Crystal Palace vs. Burnley

Prediction: 2-1

Analysis: A bottom of the table matchup. Burnley will probably end up being relegated and Crystal Palace will be at best 14th. Crystal Palace should win this at home and get back to mid-table for now.


Chelsea vs. Swansea City

Prediction: 4-1

Analysis: And now the opposite! First and second place battling it out! Swansea looks like the real deal after easily beating West Brom but I don't think they stand a chance at Stamford Bridge after how Chelsea has been playing. Too bad Swansea isn't at home cause then the game would've been winnable. I still think Swansea surprises everyone and finishes in the top 7 this year.

The odds are amazing at +1050 if you want to take the Swansea ML though.


West Brom vs. Everton

Prediction: 1-2

Analysis: Everton only has 2 points after 3 games? This becomes such an important game early in the season for them. If they don't beat West Brom there might be some serious problems upcoming for management. The worst part is Everton needs to also stop struggling against the worse teams like they've historically done. The one thing they've got going for them is that West Brom isn't just bad, they're REALLY bad.


Southampton vs. Newcastle

Prediction: 1-1

Analysis: This game will be really boring. Newcastle and Southampton both look like they've figured out how to score but I don't think much of that continues here with a 1-1 result. I also wouldn't be surprised if this game ends up being 0-0 or a 1-0 victory for either team.



Liverpool vs. Aston Villa

Prediction: 3-2

Analysis: Another interesting matchup with third and fifth place facing off. Villa is coming off a 2-1 victory against a respectable team in Hull and Liverpool is coming off a demolition against Tottenham. Liverpool should win this game and it won't be as close as the scoreline ends up suggesting.


Manchester United vs. Queens Park Rangers

Prediction: 2-2

Analysis: I really hope I end up being right with this prediction. All signs are pointing for QPR to get a draw against Man U on Sunday after how the season has been trending. QPR looked much, much, much, much better against Sunderland after losing to Tottenham in Week 2 and Man U looked just as bad against Burnley. Even with all the transfers Man U just made I don't think they can win this game. The chemistry just won't be there and QPR looks like they finally have a solidified their starting XI.

QPR ML is +900? Ridiculous. The best bet of the week is QPR +1.5, +2 (+440 to draw if anyone takes my exact prediction).

I can't wait to wear my QPR kit if they get a win or draw and get to watch all the American Man U fans pissed all day.


Hull City vs. West Ham

Prediction: 1-1

Analysis: Both Hull and West Ham lost. I don't see much getting better for either team. Hull has the better chance to win at home though.


Table Prediction After Week 4:

1) Chelsea - 12 points
2) Man City - 9 points
3) Liverpool - 9 points
4) Tottenham - 9 points
5) Swansea - 9 points
6) Aston Villa - 7 points
7) Southampton - 5 points
8) Arsenal - 5 points
9) Hull City - 5 points
10) Stoke City - 7 points
11) Everton - 5 points
12) West Ham - 4 points
13) Crystal Palace - 4 points
14) QPR - 4 points
15) Man United - 3 points
16) Newcastle - 3 points
17) Sunderland - 2 points
18) Leicester City - 2 points
19) West Brom - 2 points
20) Burnley - 1 point

About the Author

Alex Sappe

Co-creator and co-editor-in-chief of Three By Five Sports Network

Co-host of the Third and Long Podcast

Co-host of the Footballistically Speaking Podcast

Follow me on Twitter @AlexSappe