Skip to content

Paul Merson's Premier League predictions - Week 35

Merse says Liverpool's run will end and blow the title race open

Image: Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge: Merse says Liverpool will miss them

Norwich v Liverpool (11.30am, Sun, Sky Sports 1)

Everton v Manchester United (4pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1)

I don't understand Roberto Martinez. I think he's done great then all of a sudden he'll rest players. What are you doing? Against Crystal Palace he had James McCarthy as a sub and Ross Barkley in central midfield. Barkley isn't a central midfield player, he plays more advanced. Martinez also left Steven Naismith out and, for me, he's been their best player recently. He's scored some massive goals. It's backfired and they've done themselves in now. By being complicated and resting players, it's blown up in their face. Meanwhile, Man United have turned the bend - they haven't turned a corner! They can get a draw here, though. Wayne Rooney will be fit and Everton have to win and that plays into United's hands on the counter. They've just had a big result at Newcastle, too. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1

Chelsea v Sunderland (5pm, Sat, Sky Sports 1)

I think it's a big advantage for Chelsea playing first. If Chelsea win they go top which is a psychological blow to Liverpool. Sunderland have to win, a draw isn't any good. They're a bag of Revels. One minute they're alright - they were unlucky at Man City - then you watch them at Tottenham. They're not going to Chelsea and scoring two goals. PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

Hull v Arsenal (2pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1)

I don't think Hull are safe yet but they won't go down. If Arsenal finish fourth, Hull go into the Europa League even if they lose the FA Cup Final - that's a massive thing for them. I'm not saying they'll let Arsenal win but they wouldn't be disappointed if Arsenal win. Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long come back who are big for Hull but it'll be an open game and I think if Arsenal win then they'll finish fourth. If Arsenal come fourth and win the FA Cup that's a massive season. PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2

Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion

I don't give Man City a chance anymore. It's alright with 10 games to go but with only four you can't have it out of your hands. If you said to me this time last week that Man City would be completely out of it, I would have laughed at you! I would have laughed even more when it was 2-2 after 70 minutes at Anfield because they looked like they would win that. They've been a bit too "we'll beat Sunderland" and that's been their problem. They're not wiping the floor with teams like them because they're too over-confident. Also, Vincent Kompany doesn't look fit - all three goals were down to him last Sunday - but City will win this game, they owe it to their fans to put a performance in. PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0

Tottenham v Fulham

I think Tottenham will win but what a result Fulham have had. They're back in it now after beating Norwich at home last weekend. This game is a bonus game for them and they can go out there and give it a go because they have nice fixtures after this. As long as Fulham don't get hammered and they lose confidence, this is a free swing and then they concentrate on their next home game against Hull. PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1

Aston Villa v Southampton

I think Southampton have got to liven up, there's a lot of players trying to get to the World Cup and losing at home to Cardiff was bordering on a joke. Aston Villa aren't safe and if they lose this I'll be seriously worried, so they'll be out to put off-field distractions to one side and get a vital three points. Southampton will have to step up to make sure they come away with something. PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2

Cardiff v Stoke

If Cardiff win this game they could be joint on points with the fourth-bottom team. The problem with Cardiff is they come out of the blocks, start off on fire, don't get a goal and then the other team scores and that's the end of the match. They need to make their fast starts count otherwise they'll continue to be punished for wasting chances. I don't like going against Stoke but I think Cardiff will keep their survival hopes alive with a crucial win here, backing up their great result at Southampton. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0

Newcastle v Swansea

Newcastle have gone. Completely and utterly gone. You need to finish with momentum for next season so the fans keep the faith. They get 40,000 and if they lose their next three or four then people will start thinking "I'm not renewing my season ticket, it's a waste of time". Their visitors Swansea are in danger. They play good football but they don't win and now they've been dragged into the scrap at the bottom. If Cardiff win - like I predict - and Swansea get beat then they're bang in trouble. I think Swansea will nick this, though because Newcastle are shot. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2

West Ham v Crystal Palace

If this was January I'd half fancy Palace to get in the Europa League, they're flying aren't they! That win over Everton was very impressive - and Tony Pulis has done a great job there since he took over. West Ham didn't have enough against Arsenal but if these two sides draw then they'll both definitely be safe and that's what I can see happening at Upton Park. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 Think you know better than Merse? Prove it with our Super 6 game and win £250,000

Around Sky