Paul Merson's predictions for Arsenal vs Manchester United and Premier League GW 34 fixtures
With the Premier League approaching the business end of its 2021-22 edition, it's a huge week coming up for every team in the top flight. Then again, every week from now till the end of the season is going to be massive.
Arsenal's result against Chelsea this week was massive. The top-four race is in their hands, and they will have much more of a chance if they win their game this weekend.
While Arsenal and Tottenham are not going to win every game, I don't see how Manchester City and Liverpool don't win all their Premier League games for the rest of their season. There's such a gulf in the Premier League at the moment - the top two are in a class of their own.
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Both Manchester City and Liverpool won their midweek games by comfortable margins and will need another successful weekend. Chelsea suffered a derby defeat against Arsenal and have a point to prove in their next game.
The relegation zone has also witnessed its fair share of drama this season and the likes of Burnley and Everton could make or break their Premier League campaigns this month. Without further ado, here are my predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures.
Arsenal vs Manchester United
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. Arsenal are a young team and are very inconsistent. They've lost three games on the trot but defeated Chelsea 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.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
Leicester City vs Aston Villa
Leicester City have turned a corner in the Premier League. They've got a big game in the Europa League next Thursday - their last shot at silverware this season. Will they rest their players against Aston Villa? If I'm Brendan Rodgers, yes.
Philippe Coutinho has been impressive for Villa, but a permanent deal will depend on his wage demands. If he drops his wages, Villa will sign him but otherwise, they're out of the running.
This is an important period for Aston Villa. The next few games will tell Steven Gerrard which players he can count on and which players he can let go ahead of next season. They might be able to win this game if Leicester rest their players.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Aston Villa
Manchester City vs Watford
What scoreline do you want? Manchester City are winning this game, end of. The Premier League title race could go down to the wire, and Manchester City are six goals behind Liverpool in terms of goal difference. They'll go for it this weekend.
City are still massive favourites this season, despite Liverpool's form. They don't panic - they kept playing their game against Brighton and won 3-0 at a canter in the end. They have so many options in midfield and in the final third, and you could pick six of any 12 players for these positions.
Watford just look gone. They're not getting the results they need, and they're missing chance after chance in the Premier League. They'll probably get relegated this season, and I think Manchester City will win this game easily.
Prediction: Manchester City 5-0 Watford
Norwich City vs Newcastle United
Norwich are a funny team. They played well against Burnley, and they were impressive against Manchester United. They've got nothing to lose and the shackles are off. They'll just go out there and play.
Newcastle are safe now, and they've got nothing to play for this season. I'd be shocked if this ended in a 0-0, but a draw is a definite possibility. This should be an entertaining football match.
Prediction: Norwich City 2-2 Newcastle United