Paul Merson makes Premier League predictions including Arsenal vs Manchester United

Paul Merson has delivered his predictions for the upcoming round of Premier League action, including Arsenal’s crunch clash against Manchester United.

The Gunners boosted their chances of finishing in the top four when they beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in midweek.

Meanwhile, United go into Saturday’s game at the Emirates Stadium following a dismal 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The Red Devils announced the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new manager on Thursday, with the 52-year-old set to take over at Old Trafford after the end of the season.

For now, their attention will be on the meeting with Arsenal, which Gunners legend Merson thinks will end in a 2-2 draw.

‘This is a harder game than most people think. Most fans think Arsenal are going to turn up and win, but this is a difficult game,’ Merson told .

‘Arsenal are a young team and are very inconsistent. They’ve lost three games on the trot but defeated easily.

‘Manchester United are going to turn up here – I’ve just got a feeling. No one expects them to do anything this season, so they’ll just go out and play. That might make it a little difficult for Arsenal.

‘It’ll be hard for Cristiano Ronaldo to play this game but if he does, I’d expect the others to turn up for him. Erik ten Hag has been appointed as Manchester United’s manager this week – very good luck to him. I don’t think his appointment will have much of an impact on this game, but Arsenal will not find it easy this weekend.’

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from that 4-2 defeat to the Gunners when they face West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Given the Hammers are playing a Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt next week, Merson feels Thomas Tuchel’s Blues will record a 2-0 win.

‘West Ham have a massive football match on Thursday night – probably their biggest game in the past several years. They have a great opportunity to make history here and aren’t getting into the Premier League top four anyway,’ Merson added.

‘Chelsea will be in trouble if they don’t sell the club soon. If no one puts money into the club, they won’t be able to buy new players next season. Chelsea’s going to have a very hard time next season if a deal isn’t done quickly.

‘West Ham are not going to play their strongest team this weekend and that could play right into Chelsea’s hands. Chelsea have a good squad at their disposal and should be able to win this game.’

On Liverpool’s Merseyside derby clash against Everton, Merson said: ‘Liverpool do take their foot off the gas sometimes. They had United on the rack the other day and could’ve easily scored six or seven goals. They can’t take their eye off the prize – one draw and that’ll be it for them,’

‘Jurgen Klopp won’t rest any of his players this weekend. This is a big football derby – the pride of the city. I’d be amazed if Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah didn’t play. You play them, get in front, and then take them off – not the other way round.’

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