Paul Merson's predictions for FA Cup semifinals and Premier League GW 33 fixtures
The Premier League is back with another round of fixtures this weekend, and the business end of the 2021-22 season has finally arrived. The title race features the Premier League's usual suspects yet again this season, with Liverpool and Manchester City engaged in another intriguing battle for the crown.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have kept themselves busy with a fight of their own, and will need to win their matches this weekend to keep their top-four hopes alive. There shouldn't be any hope for Manchester United, however, with the way they've been playing.
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Liberties were taken last weekend ๐ฎโ๐จ https://t.co/NlDPv7FDVC
Manchester City face Liverpool test in FA Cup semifinals this weekend
Liverpool and Manchester City find themselves at odds yet again in the FA Cup and could take a massive stride towards the trophy this weekend. Both Premier League giants have been in a league of their own this season and can be unstoppable on their day.
Chelsea also face a fairly formidable foe in Crystal Palace in their FA Cup clash but will back themselves to step up in what is a crucial fixture for Thomas Tuchel. Here are my predictions for this weekend's FA Cup and Premier League matches.
Manchester City vs Liverpool
I got last week's Premier League prediction right! Manchester City have played out a 2-2 draw with Liverpool this month and I reckon Liverpool have a slight advantage in this game.
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Manchester City and Liverpool are the only sides in Europe's top 5 leagues this season to have put together a winning streak of 10 games or more. Pushing each other all the way for the title
๐ฅ Man City - 74pts
๐ฅ Liverpool - 73pts https://t.co/szJKZTJnwf
City had a real hard game against Atletico Madrid, to be fair. They've had to travel this week, and it was a very physical game as well. Liverpool rested Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Fabinho in the Champions League and are almost certain to score goals this weekend.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-2 Liverpool
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Chelsea were absolutely outstanding against Real Madrid the other night. Timo Werner could've scored five goals in the first half against Southampton, but he still has a long way to go at the club. He's scoring great goals at the moment and could play a part against Crystal Palace.
Werner, Havertz, and Mason Mount are Chelsea's best front three at the moment. With Conor Gallagher unavailable for Crystal Palace, I see nothing but a Chelsea win here.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton stunned Arsenal last week and could do with a similar performance this week. Tottenham could face a few hurdles against Brighton this weekend, but I'm still going to back them to win this game.
Everyone's getting a bit carried away with Spurs at the moment. They were blown away in the first half against Aston Villa. They're still in the top-four race at the moment, but it isn't done and dusted. They have a few tough matches ahead and will need a victory here.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion