Saturday 5 December 2015 14:07, UK
Paul Merson is back with his latest set of Premier League predictions.
After Manchester United and Arsenal were held to draws last weekend, the Magic Man is backing both to bounce back at home by picking up three points against West Ham and Sunderland respectively, while tipping Premier League leaders Manchester City to slip up with a 1-1 draw at Stoke.
Merson also thinks Tottenham will continue their impressive unbeaten run at West Brom and predicts Liverpool will comfortably overcome Newcastle in the Super Sunday clash.
Chelsea v Bournemouth (Saturday Night Football, 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)
Diego Costa has to play for Chelsea. If he doesn't I think Bournemouth could get something. Eddie Howe could set them up to squash the play and force Chelsea into playing it long. If they are forced to go long Eden Hazard, Pedro, Willian, and Oscar are not going to win any balls.
Bournemouth will be buoyed by the late goal they got against Everton. It was a big goal and something they can build on but it's not ideal for them to have to travel to Stamford Bridge straight away.
If Howe can get his tactics right and press Chelsea they will cause Jose Mourinho's side a few problems. If they don't it will be a comfortable win for the home side.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Newcastle v Liverpool (Super Sunday, 4pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)
I've been in football a long time and have seen a few upsets in my time - but I cannot see one here.
I can see Liverpool beating Newcastle 4-0 at St James' Park. I've watched Newcastle a couple of times in recent weeks and there are ways to lose football matches and the ways they've lost in recent weeks haven't been good.
I've been impressed with Liverpool under Klopp and with the way they've been playing it should be an easy afternoon's work.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-4 (25/1 with Sky Bet)
Everton v Crystal Palace (Monday Night Football, 8pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)
This will be an excellent game!
Despite their disappointing draw with Bournemouth, Everton have been very good recently.
They are superb at home but Crystal Palace are much better away from home. I know they had a massive result at home to Newcastle but they are in good form away from Selhurst Park.
I think there will be loads of goals in this one. I'm going 3-2 Everton in what will be a great Monday Night Football!
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-2 (25/1 with Sky Bet)
Stoke v Man City (Saturday, 12.45pm)
I can see Stoke getting something. They are a very hard side to beat at home and I very rarely back against them at the Britannia.
I've watched Man City a few times this season. I didn't think they were great against Southampton but they got the win.
This will be a hard game for them. They've got Europe next week so might have one eye on the game against Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday. I'm going for a 1-1 draw.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Arsenal v Sunderland (Saturday, 3pm)
It's a nice game for Arsenal this weekend.
They are struggling without Francis Coquelin playing the holding role and they have just lost Alexis Sanchez to injury but I think they will pick up a comfortable 2-0 win.
The loss of Sanchez is a big blow to Arsene Wenger but with this game in mind they should still have too much for Sunderland.
Sam Allardyce's side have had a couple of excellent results and a have a free swing at Arsenal at the Emirates but I just think the Gunners have enough quality to pick up a much needed three points.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Manchester United v West Ham (Saturday, 3pm)
It's unusual for me but I'm siding with Manchester United!
They aren't playing well but they just don't lose. There's certainly something about Louis van Gaal's side.
I'm going for a 2-0 United win because West Ham have hit a bit of a brick wall after their brilliant early season form.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Southampton v Aston Villa (Saturday, 3pm)
This is a massive game for Aston Villa.
It's now also a big game for Southampton. Three or four weeks ago St Mary's would have been a nightmare place to go for Villa but Southampton will have been wounded by the 6-1 defeat to Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp's side ran rings around them and last weekend they were beaten 3-1 at City.
However, I do expect Southampton to win this game 2-1 and inflict more misery on Villa.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
Swansea v Leicester (Saturday, 3pm)
I'm covering this game for Soccer Saturday and I'm expecting a high scoring draw.
Leicester have a right go every week and Swansea are now in a position where they need to give it real go going forward.
That's why I think I'll be watching a 2-2 draw on Saturday and if that is the result Jamie Vardy is sure to keep his incredible run going.
I don't see many others scoring for Leicester so I will go with Vardy to score again.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2 (11/1 with Sky Bet)
Watford v Norwich (Saturday, 3pm)
This is a big game for both sides. In my opinion it's the biggest game of the weekend.
It's a cup final for the two teams and if Watford win they could virtually be safe. I've been very impressed with Quique Sanchez Flores' side and I think they'll win it 2-1.
Both sides had good results last week but I just think Watford will be too strong for Norwich at Vicarage Road.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
West Brom v Tottenham (Saturday, 3pm)
Tottenham have been great in recent weeks.
The result against Chelsea was a good one for them after travelling back from Europa League action in Azerbaijan.
I can't see them being troubled at West Brom. I'm backing Mauricio Pochettino's side to win 2-1 and keep their unbelievable unbeaten run going.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
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