Premier League predictions: Tottenham vs Arsenal, Man City vs Newcastle, and rest of Matchday 27

As the Premier League reaches Matchday 27, the race for the title and the battle for survival remain as unpredictable as ever, with late drama and surprise results continuing to shape the season. The Athletic’s weekly predictions challenge—featuring six-year-old leader Wilfred, rotating guest subscribers, an algorithm, and senior writer Oliver Kay—has felt the impact of these twists, with no points awarded after Wolves’ stunning stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal on Wednesday.

That result, which saw Tom Edozie’s shot deflected in by Arsenal substitute Riccardo Calafiori, not only denied all four predictors a correct outcome but also highlighted the volatility at the top of the table. Arsenal have now won just two of their last seven league games, while Manchester City have failed to win 10 of their 26 matches so far. By contrast, in 2018–19, City and Liverpool lost just six and eight games respectively across the entire campaign.

This week’s guest predictor, 32-year-old Arsenal fan Jack, joins the panel as the Gunners prepare for Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham. Despite Spurs’ poor home form this season, Jack anticipates a tighter contest than many expect, citing the potential for a “new-manager bounce” under interim coach Igor Tudor. Kay, meanwhile, foresees a fiery, card-laden affair, with Arsenal potentially edging it via a set piece.

Elsewhere, Manchester City host Newcastle in a rematch of the Magpies’ November win at St James’ Park. While Newcastle impressed in Europe on Thursday, Kay expects Pep Guardiola’s side to deliver a statement victory. Other picks include a narrow Aston Villa win over Leeds, a Brentford triumph against Brighton, and a Chelsea victory at Burnley. West Ham’s resurgence under Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville leads Kay to tip them over Bournemouth, while Crystal Palace are backed to snap their winless streak against Wolves. Liverpool should overcome Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United are tipped to edge Everton in a tight Goodison encounter.

With unpredictability the only constant, Matchday 27 promises more twists in a season where even the most confident predictions have been repeatedly upended.