Paul Merson's predictions for Wolves vs Arsenal, Fulham vs Liverpool and other Premier League GW33 fixtures
The twist in the Premier League title race was absolutely unbelievable as both Liverpool and Arsenal fell to home defeats, allowing Manchester City to take a two-point lead in the summit with six games left to play. To be fair, it's been an unreal week all around, with Arsenal and Manchester City getting knocked out of the UEFA Champions League.
The Cityzens absolutely destroyed Real Madrid - they played them off the park at the Etihad Stadium but somehow ended up losing. Real Madrid's performance was almost cringeworthy and Rodri was absolutely spot on with his comments, because I have no idea how they lost that game. It was one of the most one-sided games of football I've ever seen and Man City were meant to be playing against one of the giants of the game. Despite the result, I stand firm on the fact that Man City are a much, much better team than Real Madrid.
In terms of the Premier League title race, you have to fancy Pep Guardiola and Co now. They are still in the FA Cup but have a big enough squad filled with experience to tackle the business end of the campaign.
The Cityzens take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, while Manchester United will face Coventry City in the other semi. There are still seven Premier League games to look forward and some of these results could have serious repercussions at both ends of the table.
Luton Town vs Brentford
If Luton win this, they are out of the relegation battle in my eyes, so this is a cup final of the highest order for them. Three points here for the home team would make the Everton vs Nottingham Forest clash all the more intriguing and I expect them to get the job done at Kenilworth Road.
Brentford have picked up some form in recent weeks and have looked solid. Luton, on the other hand, always give away chances, but I fancy them to get the job done at home.
Prediction: Luton Town 2-1 Brentford
Sheffield United vs Burnley
Sheffield United are relegated in my eyes, but I'll give them their dues - they have got competitive in recent weeks and aren't getting battered by teams anymore. Burnley, for all their troubles, could have four extra points at this stage if it wasn't for goalkeeping errors. If they had those four points, a win over here would take them out of the drop zone!
That's been the story of their season so far - they've shot themselves in the foot several times and it has cost them dearly. I don't see them staying up, but I feel they'll win this game away from home.
Prediction: Sheffield United 1-2 Burnley
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Arsenal
How quickly does football change? All of a sudden, Arsenal are up against it and their season has unraveled in the past week. I always thought this was going to be a hard game but it's so much more difficult now after their results against Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians were by far the better team in the second half and I have no qualms in admitting that Arsenal got dominated. Their season could just fizzle out in the coming weeks, but they won't want to let that happen. They have to win all their remaining games in the Premier League and see where it takes them. If Arsenal manage to get wins against Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham in their next three games, then Manchester City will need to win each of their remaining games to seal the title.
This will be a hard game for the Gunners away from home, but they will look to respond after what has been a disastrous week. They've thrown away the league and if we're being really honest, they never really looked like beating one of the weakest Bayern Munich sides in ages. They are so close, yet so far out in terms of winning trophies.
Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Arsenal
Everton vs Nottingham Forest
The result of this game depends on what Luton do against Brentford. Everton got absolutely destroyed by Chelsea the other day and they recently fell over the line against Burnley due to a goalkeeping error, so I think Forest will win this one.
Everton are struggling badly and need to get more points on the board to secure their Premier League status. I can't see that happening this week, though.
Prediction: Everton 0-2 Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace vs West Ham United
Crystal Palace were outstanding against Liverpool and got a statement result with their 1-0 win at Anfield last weekend. The Reds missed chance after chance after chance, but Palace's front three caused them a handful of problems, particularly in the first half.
West Ham's focus will be on the second leg of their UEFA Europa League clash against Bayer Leverkusen. David Moyes' side are a bag of revels and will likely be knackered after their European engagements, so I'm going for a Palace win.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 West Ham
Aston Villa vs Bournemouth
For the 2024-25 campaign, I don't think the Premier League is getting a fifth spot in the UEFA Champions League after last night's results. Aston Villa will be wary of that and will want to finish in the top four ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, so I fancy them to get the job done against Bournemouth.
They have a big game in the Conference League tonight and Unai Emery will have his eye on silverware. That is a huge game for Villa, but they will take a lot of confidence from their 2-0 win against Arsenal. Their game plan was absolutely outstanding on the night - they kept it tight and hit Arsenal on the counter when the nerves started kicking in.
Leon Bailey's pace in the second half proved to be absolutely lethal as the Villans capped off a proper performance with three points. They are fourth in the league and have done the double over Arsenal - that is some achievement.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Bournemouth
Fulham vs Liverpool
Fulham have caused teams problems this season and Liverpool are coming on the back of an abysmal week, much like Arsenal. They are struggling a bit in front of goal and look like they have sort of fizzled out in recent weeks. I think they'll drop points once again, effectively ending their title hopes.
That said, I don't think their tie against Atalanta is done. Jurgen Klopp knows the Premier League title is not in his hands anymore, so he'll go full strength in Italy and look to get a result.
Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have misfired in front of goal, but I think both of them will start against Atalanta. Diogo Jota is a top-class player and could be in with a chance of breaking into the starting XI, but I doubt they'll turn to Cody Gakpo.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Liverpool