Merson's predictions: Derby-day wins for Man Utd and Sunderland

Paul Merson returns with his weekly predictions, including a mammoth Super Sunday triple bill which sees derby day unfold in the North East and North West.

We get underway at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland and Newcastle contest the 155th Wear-Tyne derby, with the Black Cats looking for their sixth straight victory.

Our attention then switches to Old Trafford for a top of the table clash where United and City battle it out for the spoils in the 170th Manchester derby.

If that wasn't enough, Jurgen Klopp goes in search of his first Premier League victory as Liverpool manager with Southampton the visitors.

It's sure to be an enthralling weekend of football, and the Magic Man has cast his eye over proceedings…

Sunderland v Newcastle (12pm, Super Sunday)

I don't see Sunderland losing this game, home advantage and 40,000-odd Mackems cheering them on is massive. Newcastle will be flying having scored six goals last week and, in fairness, they should have been out of sight when they played Manchester City in the game before.

That's what I fear though, they weren't out of sight then and they gave Norwich chances. They play an open style of football which is great to watch but that could hand the game to Sunderland. The Big Sam factor, coupled with the fact they have to win, I see Sunderland just snatching this one to make it six in a row.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 17/2)

Bournemouth v Tottenham (2:05pm, Sunday)

This is the third week in a row that I'm going to back Spurs. They'll have too much for Bournemouth. I was impressed with their display at Swansea and they should've won that game, they should've beaten Liverpool as well. Bournemouth come off the back a right hiding at City and their injury problems are for all to see.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds 8/1)

Man Utd v Man City (2:05pm, Super Sunday)

I don't see United losing this one. City are just too open for my liking and tactically naive at times. They just go all-out attack, which is fine against lesser teams, but United will be solid and could then pick them off. United had the biggest result last weekend winning at Everton in the manner they did after their thumping at Arsenal.

If United win this they are big players in the Premier League title race. Kevin de Bruyne is different gravy and United will have to keep him quiet, he has been outstanding. Other than him I don't see how City hurt can United without Sergio Aguero and David Silva and I think United will just win the game, although a draw wouldn't surprise me.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 17/2)

Liverpool v Southampton (4:15pm, Super Sunday)

This is another big game. Jurgen Klopp made a good start to his Liverpool career drawing away at Spurs, they've only lost one game this season and White Hart Lane is a tough place to go. It will take Klopp time to get things right, he wants to play at a tempo and Liverpool weren't playing that way prior to his appointment.

This is going to be another tough test, Southampton were brilliant at Chelsea, very good in the first half against Leicester and they could hurt Liverpool. I wouldn't be shocked if this ended in a draw but I fancy Liverpool to get the win.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 15/2)

Arsenal v Everton (5:30pm, Saturday Night Football)

This is one of those games for Arsenal. The Man Utd and Bayern Munich games don't concern me, I know they are going turn up but with this one you're not quite sure which Arsenal are going to turn up. This is a real banana skin for me, Everton will stick ten behind the ball and try counter Arsenal with the pace of Barkley and Lukaku.

Everton had to attack Man Utd last weekend whereas they don't have to at the Emirates. They are a hard team to break down but I think Arsenal will win, although it will be interesting to see how the game pans out. This is a big football match for the Arsenal.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)

Aston Villa v Swansea (3pm, Saturday)

This is a game where both managers are dreading playing each other because they are both in such bad form, both are struggling. Since Swansea beat Man Utd they haven't won a game, things have gone a bit pear-shaped and, if they lose to Villa I feel they are in a real relegation battle.

If they lose, they'll be three points above Villa and all of sudden Garry Monk is under pressure. Tim Sherwood doesn't need reminding about the situation Villa are in so this is a big football match. I see it being a very cagey game but I've got to go for Villa here.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (Sky Bet odds 15/2)

Leicester v Crystal Palace (3pm, Saturday)

Leicester should kick off their games at 4pm as 3pm games are no good, they are behind straight away. They were 2-0 down at Southampton by half-time but, give the manager his due, he changed the team and they got the draw. Fair play to them, they keep on going.

There will be goals at the King Power, Leicester score against anybody, I don't care who they are. I like Palace too, and they'll be given space to play. Dwight Gayle's suspension will be a big miss for them though, he keeps them ticking over, so I think that will be the difference.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 8/1)

Norwich v West Brom (3pm, Saturday)

I'm covering this game on Soccer Saturday! Alex Neil will not be happy conceding six goals at Newcastle but I hope they don't change the way they play on the back of that result. I've watched them a couple of times and they've been a threat and looked like scoring goals, but when you've been on the end of a hiding that can change.

If that happens it will play into West Brom's hands, they're going there for one thing - to stick ten men behind the ball and earn a point. I don't see Albion being able to hold Norwich though, so long as Norwich go for it.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 8/1)

Stoke v Watford (3pm, Saturday)

I like Stoke, they're absolutely rolling, playing good football with good players and I don't see anything other than them winning here - this is the banker of the weekend. Watford did well for 60 minutes against Arsenal but, when they had chances to make it count, they fluffed their lines. They don't score enough goals.

Troy Deeney needs to be calm and his first Premier League goal will come, the manager has kept faith in him, and rightly so, they wouldn't be where they are without him. Watford need to start creating more chances to win games but I don't see it happening at the Britannia.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 15/2)

West Ham v Chelsea (3pm, Saturday)

If I were Chelsea I'd be happy this game is at Upton Park, considering West Ham's recent away form! This is still a hard game for Chelsea though, and they're in a position where they must win as many games as possible. Each week they just have to tick each game off as it comes.

West Ham have been very impressive this season but if Eden Hazard finally turns up in a game - he needs to turn up sooner or later - I see Chelsea winning, although I'm not 100 per cent sure.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)

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