Premier League picks, predictions for Matchweek 13: Best bets for Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and more
The Premier League table looks quite a bit different heading into Matchweek 13 than most people expected.
Liverpool hold a gap of eight points at the top, which is an exceptional lead for this time of year. They rest on top of Manchester City, which should make this week’s one-vs-two matchup a significant event, and yet it has a feeling of desperation to it. If Man City don’t win, they fall behind by what feels like an unassailable margin even in a long season.
Behind them are Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham battling for a top four spot. All four are in different stretches of form, but they are all up for the fight.
The Sporting News breaks down the best matchups of Matchweek 13.
Premier League picks, predictions for Matchweek 13
- Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle United
Saturday, 3 p.m. local / 10 a.m. ET — Selhurst Park
Both of these teams have shown impressive fortitude of late, even when they aren’t at their best. Unfortunately for Crystal Palace fans this weekend, the Eagles are just not that strong this year. The absence of Eberechi Eze has hurt, and with Eddie Nketiah also injured and Daichi Kamada suspended, Palace just won’t pack much of a punch in this match.
MORE: Premier League top goal scorers through the 2024/25 season
Pick: Newcastle (+135 on BetMGM)
Best bet: Under 2.5 total goals (-110 on BetMGM)
Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local / 12:30 p.m. ET — London Stadium
After conceding 19 goals in their first nine games of the Premier League season, West Ham have surprisingly found some defensive solidity with two straight clean sheets against Everton and Newcastle. Arsenal have had some trouble scoring goals themselves in the league, but are still exceptional at the back. This will likely be a grinder from which the Gunners should come out on top.
Pick: Arsenal (-190 on BetMGM)
Best bet: Under 2.5 total goals (+110 on BetMGM)
Sunday, 1:30 p.m. local / 8:30 a.m. ET — Stamford Bridge
Chelsea are staying afloat in the top four, while Aston Villa are not. Villa have gone four league matches winless while conceding 10 goals in that span. The Blues, meanwhile, sit third despite a three-match losing streak that they ended last time out against Leicester City. It hasn’t always been pretty for Chelsea, but it’s getting the job done as others falter around them.
Lately, Cole Palmer’s name has been showing up on the scoresheet less, but it’s not for a lack of trying. In their last three games, Palmer has not registered a goal or assist, his longest Premier League contribution-less streak since his first three games with Chelsea. During that span, Palmer has had nine shots and six chances created, and he’s due to get back on the scoresheet. Against an exhausted and leaky Aston Villa is as good a time as any.
Pick: Chelsea (-130 on BetMGM)
Best bet: Cole Palmer to score or assist a goal (+180 on FanDuel)
Sunday, 1:30 p.m. local / 8:30 a.m. ET — Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham trounced Man City last weekend in such a fashion the world took notice. It very well may be a sign of things to come for Spurs, but unfortunately at this point in Ange-ball, however, we can’t trust any good results. Tottenham have won consecutive league matches just once this season, and just three times last campaign after the start of November.
Fulham, meanwhile, have been scrappy this season, and have caught a few teams unprepared. Emile Smith Rowe has been at the heart of their positive performances, with six shots and a goal in his last four Premier League starts. The former Arsenal star also has a goal and an assist in two career starts against Tottenham. We’re backing a Spurs return to Earth against a Fulham team that’s stronger than opponents often give credit for.
Pick: Fulham (+360 on BetMGM)
Best bet: Emile Smith Rowe anytime goal scorer (+400 on BetMGM)
Sunday, 4 p.m. local / 11 a.m. ET — Anfield Stadium
At this point, the shine is off Man City and Pep Guardiola, while Arne Slot’s spot atop the Premier League table can no longer be taken with a grain of salt. Liverpool have well earned their position at the summit of the standings, while City are mired in an unprecedented slump. Guardiola has been vexed by Liverpool in the past, with just two wins in the last nine across all competitions.
While most of that was the work of Jurgen Klopp, Slot has proven he can put this Liverpool team together in a way that troubles even the best in the league. Given the gulf in form between the two sides, it’s hard to play this one any other way, especially at plus odds on the Reds at home.
Pick: Liverpool (+115 on BetMGM)
Best bet: Liverpool over 2.5 total goals (+250 on BetMGM)