2 years ago
Paul Merson has made his predictions for this weekend's Premier League games, which see Manchester City take on title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal take on north London rivals Tottenham.
Pep Guardiola's side could move 13 points clear of European champions Chelsea as they seek to win back-to-back league titles.
The Premier League titans clash at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, before Newcastle United face fellow relegation battlers Watford and Manchester United travel to Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa.
On Sunday, Arsenal's trip to archrivals Tottenham Hotspur is the pick of the games, with top-four contenders West Ham and Liverpool also in action.
But who will have a productive weekend and who will be worse off come Monday morning? Merson, a former Arsenal and England player, has made his predictions to Sportskeeda.
Manchester City Vs Chelsea
'If Chelsea do not win, they will be eliminated from contention for the Premier League title.' Saying that in mid-January is not ideal, but it is the reality of the situation.
'This is a huge game, but looking at the table, Manchester City could probably lose this one and still win the league.'
Even though the score was only 1-0, Pep Guardiola's team dominated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. That just goes to show how good Manchester City has been this season, and I believe they will continue to get another victory this weekend.
'I think these two teams will meet again in the UEFA Champions League, so it'll be a big psychological battle.' Chelsea also had a game on Wednesday night, which will play a role. In terms of attacking options, it will be interesting to see who Thomas Tuchel chooses. Kai Havertz was outstanding in the first leg, arguably playing his best football in a Chelsea shirt, but Timo Werner's pace could be a huge asset.
'However, if Werner plays, he'll have to compete with Kyle Walker's pace, and they might end up canceling each other out!'
Havertz, on the other hand, possesses the brain and intelligence to open up teams and make clever runs into the box, so this will be a big call for Tuchel.’
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal
'I've played in enough of these to know that this is a massive game.' 'I think the tide has shifted a little this season, so I think Arsenal will win this one.' They are currently a better team than Tottenham, and Son Heung-absence Min's is a major issue for Antonio Conte. 'They had the upper hand in this fixture a couple of years ago, but going by what I've seen in recent weeks, I'd be shocked if Arsenal lost.'
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Arsenal
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