Premier League Predictions: Jimmy Johnson vs Joey Peeps

We’re back for another round of Premier League predictions – this week, two of our writers will be going head-to-head.

Jimmy Johnson will be taking on Joey Peeps – previously, Jimmy has played against Jenn Harrison, Danny Murphy, Carlton Cole and ChatGPT.

Chelsea vs Leeds United

Jimmy Johnson: This is a tough game to predict, as both teams are in strong form at the moment. Leeds are a strong attacking team, but they struggle from a defensive standpoint.

You can’t get away with this against an elite outfit such as Chelsea. The Blues have endured a congested fixture list in recent weeks, but their enormous playing squad should allow them to offset this.

JJ’s Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Leeds United

Joey Peeps Prediction: Chelsea have been quietly resolute under the guidance of new manager Liam Rosenior despite the English boss taking some flack on social media.

LinkedIn Liam has got his boys organised, and you’d expect them to have too much to handle for a Leeds team that has markedly improved since the turn of the year, but one that still struggles on the road.

JP’s Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Leeds United

Everton vs AFC Bournemouth

Jimmy Johnson: Bournemouth haven’t missed a beat since Antoine Semenyo left the club, but Everton have been a bit of a suprise package in the 2025/26 season. David Moyes has done a phenomenal job with the Toffees – it’s time to start handing the Scot his flowers.

At home, I definitely think Everton have the advantage here. Bournemouth’s attacking talent is ferocious, but it’s nothing that the likes of James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford haven’t seen before. I’m expecting goals on either side, but Everton should claim the three points here.

JJ’s Prediction: Everton 2-1 Bournemouth

Joey Peeps Prediction: Everton have been inconsistent at home as they settle into their new sleek surroundings on the Mersey Dock. Away from home, they’ve done better than most would have expected and they can also count on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall back in the starting line-up after he returned to fitness.

That being said, Bournemouth are starting to find some form again and have two of the league’s most exciting players in Kroupi JR and new Brazilian signing Rayan firing. I’m expecting goals in this one.

JP’s Prediction: Everton 1-2 AFC Bournemouth

Tottenham vs Newcastle United

Jimmy Johnson: Both Tottenham and Newcastle United are in disarray at the moment. Nevertheless, we think Spurs’ problems run deeper than the Toon’s – Thomas Frank’s men have looked like an extinguished outfit for weeks now.

Confidence is low in both camps, but Eddie Howe has the respect of his dressing room – Frank, on the other hand, seems to have lost whatever grip he had on his squad. The writing is on the wall – I think this game will be the final nail in the coffin for the not-so-great Dane.

JJ’s Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle United

Joey Peeps Prediction: The battle of the basket case clubs. A joust between two beleaguered bosses. It’s been a season to forget for both clubs with both looking up the table and wondering what life is like above the equator.

Tottenham will be without Cristian Romero after his reckless red card against Manchester United. Newcastle‘s strikers can’t buy a goal at the minute. I’m expecting two crappy teams to cancel each other out, but a defeat for either manager will really ramp up the pressure on either.

JP’s Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle United

West Ham vs Manchester United

Jimmy Johnson: It’s no secret by now – Michael Carrick has done a brilliant job at the Manchester United helm. He has won four games in a row, which included victories over Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal.

As such, they should have enough about them to see off West Ham. There is one aspect running in the Hammers’ favour – Carrick’s system does not work as effectively against teams that do not play a high line. I think United will win, but they’ll make harder work of it than people may expect.

JJ’s Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Manchester United

Joey Peeps Prediction: With the form that Manchester United are in under Michael Carrick, only a fool would back against them not going to the London Stadium and getting a result.

West Ham have been producing better performances and have given themselves a chance at beating the drop under Nuno, but it’s hard to look beyond United and Carrick picking up his fifth win on the bounce.

JP’s Prediction: West Ham 0-2 Manchester United

Aston Villa vs Brighton

Jimmy Johnson: Brighton are coming off the back of a crushing derby day defeat at home to Crystal Palace last time out. This was a damaging loss for the Seagulls – their weaknesses were laid bare, as were Fabian Hurzeler’s managerial limitations.

It wasn’t the sort defeat that teams can quickly get over. Additionally, Aston Villa are a dangerous team at the worst of times – this one could get seriously ugly for the South Coast club.

JJ’s Prediction: Aston Villa 3-0 Brighton

Joey Peeps Prediction: Are Aston Villa experiencing the Unai Emery simmer? Maybe a bit harsh, but they’ve gone off the boil, and it seems to happen in each of the Spanish managers campaigns. From title hopefuls (they were never going to) to now looking consolidating a Champions League spot.

Regardless of current form, they should have more than enough to see off a Brighton team who have really struggled this season. The natives on the south coast are growing restless with Fabian Hurzeler’s brand of timid football.

JP’s Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Brighton

Crystal Palace vs Burnley

Jimmy Johnson: In their last game, Burnley looked like an outfit destined for relegation. There is no fight left in them – they have accepted their fate and may finish below Wolves if they cannot adjust their trajectory.

Crystal Palace certainly aren’t world-beater in their own right, but they picked up a crucial away win against Brighton in their last game. That should give them enough confidence to see off Burnley, who may not win another game this season.

JJ’s Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Burnley

Joey Peeps Prediction: After a rough start to the year that saw the Eagles sell their captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City and have their manager Oliver Glasner reveal he’d be off at the end of the season, things are starting to turn around for the Croydon club.

Ismaila Sarr looks back to his best, and Burnley offer the perfect opposition for new signing Jorgen Strand Larsen to start paying back some of that record transfer fee. Burnley look doomed to return to the Championship.

JP’s Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Burnley

Manchester City vs Fulham

Jimmy Johnson: The last time these two teams came to blows, it was an absolute barn-burner – it finished 5-4 to Manchester City in the reverse fixture. As such, we can probably expect fireworks from this game, too.

Fulham are a decent attacking team with some very creative players – however, Marco Silva’s high-line, possession-based style will give the Sky Blues a plethora of openings from which they can fashion chancess.

JJ’s Prediction: Manchester City 3-2 Fulham

Joey Peeps Prediction: City picked up a huge result away at Liverpool in the last round of fixtures that should give them a kick up the arse in the title race. That being said, you wouldn’t be surprised to see them drop points here – it’s been that kind of season from Pep Guardiola’s team.

Fulham go into this one on the back of two defeats. It’s likely going to be three losses on the spin for Marco Silva’s side.

JP’s Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Fulham

Nottingham Forest vs Wolves

Jimmy Johnson: Nottingham Forest aren’t the team they were last season, but Sean Dyche has managed to instill some stability into the club after the chaos brought by Ange Postecoglou. They were poor last time out – but this time, they’re playing Wolves.

While Rob Edwards has given the Premier League’s bottom club a bit of hope and vigour, Forest should have far too much quality for them to compete with.

JJ’s Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Wolves

Joey Peeps Prediction: Nottingham Forest will be desperate for three points here to give their survival chances a boost.

It’s almost a free hit for Wolves – everyone knows they will be playing Championship football next season. I think this could be a cagey game.

JP’s Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Wolves

Sunderland vs Liverpool

Jimmy Johnson: You can never count Sunderland out – especially at the Stadium of Light. Liverpool will be feeling downtrodden after their defeat against City at the weekend, especially following the controversial dismissal of Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Reds are here for the taking, but one mustn’t underestimate them. Sunderland might be the dominant team in this one, but I can’t shake the feeling that Liverpool will snatch a draw.

JJ’s Prediction: Sunderland 2-2 Liverpool

Joey Peeps Prediction: Sunderland have made Premier League football look like child’s play this season. The Black Cats boast the league’s last remaining unbeaten home record and have turned the Stadium of Light into a fortress.

Liverpool on the other hand have been so inconsistent. This will be a battle – will Slot‘s champions be up for it? I don’t think they will. Sunderland for the win with Brian Brobbey bagging a goal.

JP’s Prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool

Brentford vs Arsenal

Jimmy Johnson: Brentford are a wonderfully-drilled outfit and have taken plenty of people by surprise this season. Does this mean that they can defeat Arsenal? I don’t think so.

Keith Andrews, being a former set-piece coach, will be ready for whatever Mikel Arteta can throw at him from dead-ball scenarios. Goalscoring will be an issue for them, however – I think the Gunners will grind them down eventually.

JJ’s Prediction: Brentford 0-2 Arsenal

Joey Peeps Prediction: Brentford have arguably been the Premier League‘s surprise package this season, climbing the table under Keith Andrews and quite rightly looking towards the European places.

This will be a different type of test when champions-elect Arsenal make the short trip across London. It’s the kind of fixture that Arsenal must win to silence any doubters who are questioning their title credentials. It will be a difficult test, but it’s one I expect the Gunners to pass.

JP’s Prediction: Brentford 1-3 Arsenal

Previous prediction results: 

Jimmy Johnson vs ChatGPT – 15

Jimmy Johnson vs Carlton Cole – 5 (only 5 games played)

Jimmy Johnson vs Danny Murphy – 20

Jimmy Johnson vs Jenn Harrison – 35