Paul Merson is backing the big teams in the Premier League to avoid upsets this weekend as he tips Manchester United, , Liverpool and all to win.
It has been an unpredictable campaign so far, with United, Liverpool and Chelsea all beaten by significant underdogs already, while the Gunners sit at the top of the table as the only side to win all their games.
Merson is expecting a bit of an easier weekend of action to predict this time around, though, starting with the Red Devils’ trip to Southampton on Saturday lunchtime.
Speaking to , Merson said: ‘This Premier League game is as big a match as the one against Liverpool. We’ve seen this before with them – you can’t afford to beat Liverpool and then lose to Southampton.
‘I’d expect to win this game, but I wouldn’t be too shocked if Southampton pulled off an upset.’
Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Manchester United
On Leicester’s trip to Chelsea, he said: ‘I think Leicester are in for a very, very long Premier League season. They had to bring on their big guns to get it done on penalties against Stockport the other day. Fortunately, they have a very good manager, but there’s a lot going on at the club.
‘Leicester will need to shut shop at Stamford Bridge, but I don’t think they will. Chelsea are a wounded animal at the moment, and I think they’ll pull off a big win this weekend.’
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Leicester City
Merson gave Bournemouth little hope for their away day at Anfield, saying: ‘I consider this game a foregone conclusion. I don’t see anything but a Liverpool win here. They’re a wounded animal, and they’ll need to get their season underway. Bournemouth are bang unlucky that they’re playing Liverpool in the Premier League right now. If I was Liverpool, I’d be having a go this week.’
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth
On his former club Arsenal, he predicted: ‘This is going to be a hard game for Fulham. They’ve done well away from home in the Premier League, but this is a different kettle of fish. When Brentford had a go at them the other day, they were opened up on quite a few occasions. Gabriel Jesus should be able to score again this weekend.
‘I’m going to back Arsenal to keep their run going this weekend.’
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
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