Paul Merson has delivered his Premier League predictions as Arsenal look to keep their title hopes alive and Leeds United bid to avoid relegation. On Saturday, 12 teams are in action including Southampton – who will be relegated if they fail to beat Fulham – Manchester United, who have lost two games in a row as they battle for a Champions League spot, and relegation-threatened Leeds.
Leeds United vs Newcastle United: ‘This is a game that could have major ramifications in the top-four race and the relegation battle. If Newcastle United win this, they’d only need one more win to secure a top-four spot. It’s a massive football game. I’m going to go with Newcastle United here. I don’t see Newcastle not qualifying for the Champions League. Despite a rather tough set of fixtures coming up, they should be able to make it to the promised land.’ Prediction: Leeds United 0-2 Newcastle United
Southampton vs Fulham: ‘Southampton played a good game against Nottingham Forest. But even if they win the rest of their games, they could still get relegated. I think Fulham have been very impressive this season. They usually lose by a goal. I think Fulham are going to win this 2-1 and Southampton are going to get relegated on Saturday.’ Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Fulham
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: ‘Nottingham Forest did very well against Southampton under pressure. But I think this is a game where Nottingham Forest are going to struggle to eke out a positive result. I don’t see how Forest are going to get the better of them.’ Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur: ‘I’ve been a bit disappointed with Aston Villa lately. They went on such a good run, winning eight of their nine games between March 18 and April 26. Then they got well beaten at Manchester United and then they went and lost 1-0 to Wolves. I think their form has fizzled out a bit. I expect there to be goals in this one.’ Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham
Manchester United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: ‘I expect Manchester United to win this. I think Manchester United were poor against West Ham United. This is a must-win game for them. If they lose this, the pressure is back on them. They have to win three games before the end of the season to book a berth in the Champions League.’ Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth: ‘Crystal Palace’s form has wavered of late. Both teams have nothing to play for as they’re both safe and don’t have any more goals for the season. The shackles are off and both sides can go out and play with freedom. I expect there to be goals in this one.’ Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 Bournemouth
Everton vs Manchester City: ‘Three weeks ago, you’d look at this as an easy fixture for Manchester City. I do expect Manchester City to win it. But Everton were really good against Brighton and I think they played well against Leicester in the 2-2 draw as well. I don’t think Pep Guardiola can rest his key players for this game and keep them fresh for the second leg against Real Madrid next week. City have to turn up against Everton.’ Prediction: Everton 0-2 Manchester City
Brentford vs West Ham: ‘West Ham United have their Europa Conference League semi-final against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night. I don’t see West Ham playing some of their starters after the game on Thursday and are likely to take it easy here. As a result, they could get punished by Brentford who have a pretty good season.’ Prediction: Brentford 2-0 West Ham
Arsenal vs Brighton: ‘As I said about Aston Villa, Brighton looked like they were going to do something special once they got near the Champions League positions. Arsenal turned in an outstanding performance against the Magpies. I think they’re going to win all their games from here on in but they are unlikely to still win the league.’ Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Leicester City vs Liverpool: ‘I think Everton and Nottingham Forest are going to lose this week and I don’t see Leeds beating Newcastle United either. As such, this is a great opportunity for Leicester City to move towards surviving relegation. This could be a season-defining game for Leicester. If they don’t win it, I think they’re going to get relegated.