Paul Merson's predictions for Manchester City vs Manchester United and other Premier League GW28 fixtures
As we approach the business end of the Premier League season, games are beginning to come thick and fast as teams across England scramble to reach their respective goals. Gameweek 28 sees arch-rivals Manchester City and Manchester United lock horns at the Etihad Stadium in what could be an important fixture in terms of the title race, while Liverpool entertain West Ham at Anfield having lost the reverse fixture 3-1 in 2021.
Brentford's trip to Carrow Road could have serious implications with regard to the relegation battle, with Norwich City running out of time to secure their Premier League status. The likes of Everton and Leeds United are also in desperate need of points and currently run the risk of dropping down to the Championship.
Will Manchester United shock their cross-town rivals away from home? Will Jesse Marsch win his first Premier League game in charge of Leeds after replacing Marcelo Bielsa at the helm? Only time will tell.
Leicester City vs Leeds United
This is a different game of football with Jesse Marsch taking over the reins at Elland Road. A week or two ago, I’d have said Leicester City would win quite easily, but now, Leeds United have a chance. It’ll be interesting to see how the new manager conveys his ideas in a short span of time, because Leeds need points on the board immediately. With all due respect to Marcelo Bielsa, the managerial change had to be made as they were on a bit of a slippery slope in the Premier League.
#LUFC are pleased to confirm Jesse Marsch’s backroom team that will be in place until the end of the season📰 #LUFC are pleased to confirm Jesse Marsch’s backroom team that will be in place until the end of the season
Jamie Vardy is back for Leicester City and that could well turn out to be a huge boost, so I’m backing the home side to win this one.
Prediction: Leicester City 2-0 Leeds United
Burnley vs Chelsea
Due to everything going on with Roman Abramovich, this is going to be a harder game for Chelsea. I don’t know if it will affect them on the pitch, but it’s surely going to be a bit different for them. Four days ago, Abramovich handed the club over to his trustees, but now he’s actively looking to sell, which could lead to worrying times for Chelsea.
Statement from Roman Abramovich.
As for Burnley, after two wins and a draw, they suffered a bad result at the hands of Leicester City. Even a point would’ve been good, but they lost 2-0 and have been dragged straight back into the relegation dog fight. Despite everything that’s happening involving Chelsea’s owner, I still think they’ll have too much for Burnley and I fancy them to win this one comfortably.
Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Chelsea
Aston Villa v Southampton
Southampton are in a fantastic run of form and are playing some really good football at the moment. Aston Villa, on the other hand, have blown hot and cold in recent weeks, but they bounced back to winning ways in style with a 2-0 victory against Brighton the other day. They have some really good players and Ezri Konsa, in my opinion, is someone who always goes under the radar. I think he’s Villa’s best defender and has a bright future ahead of him. It’s probably a little early to speak about this, but it’ll be interesting to see if Villa exercise the option to sign Philippe Coutinho permanently.
I’m not sure if they will and I’m only saying that because they already have Emiliano Buendia, who is also a #10. I personally don’t think they can play together, but we’ll have to wait and see how the situation develops between now and the end of the season.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Southampton
Norwich City vs Brentford
I watched Brentford last weekend against Newcastle United and the game was over in 10 minutes after Josh Dasilva’s dismissal. I was doing the game for Sky and I wrote down ‘game over’ the minute he went off the pitch. Brentford can’t seem to win a game of football with 11 players on the pitch, how would they do so with 10?
Christian Eriksen coming on was quite the sight, it was pleasing to watch him take to the field again. I think he has to start this game behind Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo - it will allow the away side to really go for it and I do think he could emerge as the difference maker.
If Norwich City lose this, it’s curtains for them and that’s exactly what I think will happen.
Prediction: Norwich City 1-2 Brentford