Paul Merson has predicted more misery for Frank Lampard ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth and expects Arsenal to drop points at Newcastle United. Chelsea have lost six games in a row since Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge as caretaker manager and another defeat on the south coast on Saturday would be the first time since 1993 the club have lost five successive league games. Chelsea’s dismal form has seen them slip to 12th in the Premier League – just nine points above the relegation zone with five games remaining. Such has been Chelsea’s fall from grace this season, the Blues are level on points with a Bournemouth side who have been repeatedly written off since they booked their return to the English top-flight. Gary O’Neill’s side have won four of their last five games to climb away from the relegation zone and Merson expects Bournemouth to secure another huge scalp tomorrow when they host Chelsea.
‘You know what? It sounds a bit weird but I can’t see Chelsea winning this game,’ Merson told Sportskeeda. ‘I can’t believe I’m saying this, but how can you pick Chelsea? If Bournemouth win, they go above Chelsea. What’s happened at Chelsea is extraordinary and I’ve personally never seen anything like it. The current environment is not good for Frank Lampard and there have been claims that it might affect his career in the long-term, but people will know it’s not all about Frank. Chelsea have other deep-rooted issues and once his stint at the club is done, it all depends on the kind of jobs that become available for Frank. I fancy Bournemouth to win this one 2-1.’
Later on in the weekend, Arsenal will look to keep their faltering Premier League title hopes alive with a daunting fixture against in-form Newcastle United. Arsenal have seen their lead at the top of the table cut in recent weeks, although they bounced back from a difficult period with a 3-1 win over Chelsea on Tuesday night. For Newcastle, victory against Arsenal would go a huge way to securing Champions League football for next season. Merson added: ‘This could be the game that finishes Arsenal off in the Premier League title race, as Newcastle are in incredible form. Eddie Howe and co have been unbelievable at home this season and are well-positioned to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League next season. If Arsenal win this, I think they title race could be back on, as Manchester City have a bunch of interesting games coming up. Both Arsenal and Newcastle have played fantastic football this season and this will be a great contest, but unfortunately, I can’t see Arsenal winning this one. The pressure will be on them and the Magpies are a tough nut to crack at St. James’ Park, so I think this game will finish 1-1.’