Monday, December 9News That Matters

Paul Merson predicts Chelsea vs Arsenal and different Premier League GW11 fixtures

The Premier League is again with its closing set of fixtures earlier than the final worldwide break of the calendar yr. What I’ve observed this season is the truth that plenty of gamers are getting injured. I’ve a wierd feeling that sure golf equipment may go off the rails from now till the flip of the yr, if these harm troubles persist.

If Chelsea or Aston Villa had received final weekend, you can’ve argued that these groups might have an outdoor likelihood within the title race. I do know they didn’t win and it truly is a stretch to think about them difficult Manchester Metropolis, Liverpool or Arsenal proper now. However these factors may’ve been large contemplating how Arsenal and Metropolis misplaced final weekend.

It may come right down to which of those groups can keep free from accidents. The extra gamers you have got match, higher the prospect of successful the title. Relaxation assured, it’s secure to say there will likely be loads of twists and turns over the course of the subsequent few months.

With out additional ado, let’s dive straight into my predictions for Premier League gameweek 11:


Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League - Source: GettyWolverhampton Wanderers FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Crystal Palace FC – Premier League – Supply: Getty

Wolves are struggling in the meanwhile, rooted to the underside of the desk. However I do not suppose they’re as unhealthy as individuals suppose. I consider they play good soccer, it is simply that additionally they shoot themselves on the foot at instances. It is a large sport for Gary O’Neill as a result of it is the worldwide break arising. If he loses at house to Southampton, that will be an enormous drawback.

I feel even a draw would put O’Neill in hassle. That is fairly merely a must-win sport for Wolves. In the event that they fail to get three factors, that is 11 video games with no win! When the fixtures got here out, Wolves would’ve been anticipating to win this conflict and that has now turn out to be an absolute necessity for them.

Southampton bought an enormous consequence final weekend, once they beat Everton. I did not see that coming if I am being trustworthy. I doubt they will use that uncommon win as a springboard to get one other consequence at Molineux on Saturday although. They may wrestle to cope with Wolves’ assault and should even get suffocated by the hosts.

Wolves want just a bit little bit of luck right here and there to get again on monitor and I am backing them to get their first win of the season in opposition to Southampton.

Prediction: Wolves 3-0 Southampton


West Ham United vs Everton

Nottingham Forest FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League - Source: GettyNottingham Forest FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Nottingham Forest FC v West Ham United FC – Premier League – Supply: Getty

Everton have been going alongside properly after which they bought beat by Southampton. They don’t seem to be in hassle in the meanwhile, however it’s plenty of pointless drama. If Everton received, they might’ve gone to 12 factors. As a substitute, they’re now simply 4 factors away from the drop zone and I do not count on them to beat West Ham both.

Julen Lopetegui is underneath stress to ship at West Ham. The issue with them is the inconsistency. They’re certainly one of them groups who may win a few video games after which go lose just a few on the trot. And once they get beat, they get capitulated, like they did final weekend in opposition to Nottingham Forest, once they have been overwhelmed 3-0!

I all the time return to this with West Ham, watch out what you would like for. David Moyes is an effective supervisor and so they received a European trophy underneath him. Remember that this was a West Ham that did nothing for a few years. Typically individuals can get caught up within the whole soccer philosophy and overlook the truth that it is all the time about successful video games.

I nonetheless doubt Lopetegui is aware of his greatest XI. Nevertheless, I count on West Ham to win right here. Everton may now be dragged again into the relegation battle.

Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Everton


Brentford vs Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City FC - Premier League - Source: GettyAFC Bournemouth v Manchester City FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
AFC Bournemouth v Manchester Metropolis FC – Premier League – Supply: Getty

I could not consider what I used to be watching the opposite day with each groups. Bournemouth have been unimaginable in opposition to Manchester Metropolis, they completely dominated the primary 20 minutes. Although they slowed down a bit after that, they nonetheless bought the second aim and held on for a memorable win.

Brentford, then again, have been completely destroyed by Fulham. They bought smashed if I am being trustworthy. Fulham might have solely bought their two objectives in second half stoppage time, however they dominated that sport regardless of Brentford taking the lead. Thomas Frank’s males are in determined want of a response in opposition to Bournemouth now.

That efficiency from Bryan Mbeumo in opposition to Fulham is likely to be a priority for Brentford. He by no means touched the ball in that sport, he was utterly nameless on the pitch! I do know he is been linked with just a few prime golf equipment, however that is not one thing you possibly can afford to do for those who’re enjoying for one of many massive boys on this league.

Bournemouth misplaced 4 of their final six video games, together with the ultimate three within the Premier League final season. Credit score to the membership for sticking with Andoni Iraola by that tough patch. They confirmed nice religion in him and are actually being rewarded. If issues go to plan, they could even be secure from relegation by the tip of December and that is large once you consider the place they have been a yr in the past!

We spoke about Mbeumo earlier and it jogged my memory of Antoine Semenyo. I wish to see extra consistency from Semenyo. He is accomplished alright, however nonetheless a bit up and down by way of consistency. Semenyo has expertise, however if you wish to play for one of many prime six golf equipment on this division, consistency is the lacking ingredient.

I do not see Bournemouth shedding this sport and I count on a response from Brentford too. I will go for an entertaining draw on this one, must be enjoyable to observe.

Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Bournemouth


Crystal Palace vs Fulham

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League - Source: GettyWolverhampton Wanderers FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Crystal Palace FC – Premier League – Supply: Getty

I used to be so impressed with Fulham final weekend. I although they have been sensible in that win over Brentford, a correct crew. Even in that defeat to Manchester Metropolis, they have been glorious. It appears as if all their signings have labored out fairly effectively, particularly the likes of Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe.

However it is a robust time to be enjoying Crystal Palace for my part. Oliver Glasner’s males are lastly beginning to click on and are available into this sport on the again of some good outcomes. All of them key gamers like Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah have now discovered some type.

I consider that Palace will likely be secure, they will not get relegated. However they haven’t lived as much as the promise they confirmed in direction of the tip of final season. This could possibly be an enormous win if they will beat Fulham at house, despite the fact that I doubt it would occur.

If Fulham win this you would not be shocked and the identical applies if Palace find yourself successful. That is the fantastic thing about the Premier League, something can occur in these video games. I will sit on the fence right here and name a draw.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham


Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester Metropolis

Sporting Clube de Portugal v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 - Source: GettySporting Clube de Portugal v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 - Source: Getty
Sporting Clube de Portugal v Manchester Metropolis – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Section MD4 – Supply: Getty

The scrutiny is on Manchester Metropolis now after that large 4-1 Champions League defeat to Ruben Amorim’s Sporting. Everyone is on them now and there isn’t any hiding from it. That defeat was their third in a row in all competitions – first time they’ve misplaced three on the bounce underneath Pep Guardiola since 2018!

I’ve all the time mentioned that Rodri’s absence is big. Once you take a participant that knits every part collectively and protects the again 4 on the similar day out of your crew, you’ll undergo.

It is easy to go in opposition to Manchester Metropolis on this sport and I am tempted to do it. However I am nonetheless going to again them to bounce again with a win over Brighton. I am solely predicting this consequence as a result of they’re Metropolis and I simply cannot ponder them shedding 4 video games in a row.

I do agree that Julian Alvarez is an enormous miss for Manchester Metropolis, however you possibly can by no means flip down £80 million for him. That was completely loopy cash and Metropolis couldn’t assist however promote him, it is comprehensible. If Erling Haaland picks up an harm, it will begin to look even worse and that is one thing they will need to dwell with.

Bernardo Silva mentioned Metropolis are in a darkish place proper now. I’m wondering if it is the identical as once I was supervisor at Walsall! Metropolis should not simply used to shedding so many video games and I nonetheless suppose they’re the crew to beat. Whoever finishes above Metropolis will win the league for my part.

Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 Manchester Metropolis


Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Liverpool FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 - Source: GettyLiverpool FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 - Source: Getty
Liverpool FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Section MD4 – Supply: Getty

Aston Villa are on a little bit of a sticky patch now after three straight defeats in all competitions. It is a massive sport for each golf equipment. I noticed Brighton in opposition to Liverpool and so they have been really higher than Arne Slot’s males for almost all of that sport. Brighton merely failed to select the fitting go, they have been glorious in any other case. Finally, Liverpool bought the three factors which they all the time do.

I simply do not suppose Liverpool are enjoying effectively sufficient to get a win on this sport. If they offer Villa the type of possibilities they gave Brighton, the likes of Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins will punish them. Liverpool have been actually lucky to return away with a win within the final sport, however I doubt they will have that type of luck right here.

Villa might have conceded 4 objectives in opposition to Tottenham, however that may occur once you play a crew like Spurs. If Tottenham are within the temper, they will transfer the ball shortly and rating objectives in fast succession. So I am not studying an excessive amount of into that scoreline and I actually suppose Villa may cause Liverpool issues on this sport.

Though Luis Diaz netted a hat-trick within the Champions League, I consider Darwin Nunez will return to the beginning line-up for this sport. I did not suppose the primary half in opposition to Leverkusen was nice. That is the issue for Liverpool now, they solely play effectively in patches. They don’t seem to be firing on all cylinders or enjoying mind-blowing soccer, they’re simply getting the job accomplished.

Curtis Jones has improved lots. However I am unsure if he can begin forward of Dominik Szoboszlai on this sport. Each of them are good gamers. Nevertheless, as a supervisor, I feel you take a look at Jones and get the sensation that he could make extra of an impression when coming off the bench. Nonetheless a prime participant, I do not see any cause why he will not be thought of for an England call-up.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Aston Villa


Manchester United vs Leicester Metropolis

Manchester United FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: GettyManchester United FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Manchester United FC v Chelsea FC – Premier League – Supply: Getty

I watch Manchester United and I actually suppose Ruben Amorim has his work lower out at Outdated Trafford. You can say he most likely has a bonus as a result of we aren’t anticipating a lot. However I watch all the opposite massive groups and all of them have a plan in place, Manchester United do not.

Once you take a look at the system that Amorim deploys at Sporting and also you take a look at United, you do not actually know what number of gamers at Outdated Trafford can pull that off. It would not tick any field. Who would be the three on the again contemplating all their centre-backs out there for choice aren’t the quickest? What in regards to the wing-backs? They do not have a correct goal-scoring no.9 like Viktor Gyokeres or two artistic no.10s

If Amorim goes to Chelsea for instance, you recognize he has the sources to turn out to be a hit. Fast defenders like Reece James, Malo Gusto. Two good no.10s within the type of Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku. Nicolas Jackson has already proven he can ship if given the fitting provide as effectively. The sources are there, in contrast to the state of affairs at Outdated Trafford.

Do not get me incorrect, I like Amorim and what he is accomplished in Portugal deserves plenty of credit score. However this seems like a very robust problem for him and he will not turn out to be an in a single day success at Outdated Trafford as a result of he wants the gamers for his most popular system.

I additionally wished to discuss Joshua Zirkzee. I do not know the place he performs, what his identification is as a participant. In the event you’re all the time behind the eight ball at Manchester United, it is robust for you as a participant. Mason Mount suffers from it, so did Anderson and lots of different gamers again within the day.

Leicester did effectively to rescue a degree in opposition to Ipswich final weekend. A defeat in that sport would’ve been catastrophic for them. Jamie Vardy ought to stay match all through the season, if they’re to keep away from relegation. I feel there’s just one winner on this sport although, and it is not Leicester.

Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Leicester Metropolis


Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United

Nottingham Forest FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League - Source: GettyNottingham Forest FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Nottingham Forest FC v West Ham United FC – Premier League – Supply: Getty

Nottingham Forest are flying, aren’t they? It is a actually arduous sport for Newcastle for my part. I say this each week, Forest are a significantly better crew away from house. However they bought an unimaginable win at house in opposition to West Ham final weekend and I’ve a sense they may again it up!

If Forest try this, they are going to be nearly secure from relegation for my part. Are you able to consider it? It is solely been 11 video games and we’re speaking about them retaining their standing within the top-flight. Twenty-two factors from the primary 11 video games is de facto, actually good for those who’re Forest.

I like when groups purpose for the celebs and I will say they need to take a look at European qualification as a practical goal if they will beat Newcastle. If they will stay constructive and consider of their talents, I am certain Forest will stand an opportunity in making it to the Europa League or the Convention League. Like I mentioned earlier than, it looks as if certainly one of them seasons the place plenty of the groups may undergo accidents. This opens up a novel alternative for groups like Forest to sneak up the ladder.

A defeat could be an enormous disappointment for Newcastle, particularly after that win over Arsenal. However I simply have not seen sufficient from them to suppose they may outplay Forest away from house on present type.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Newcastle United


Tottenham Hotspur vs Ipswich City

Tottenham Hotspur FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League - Source: GettyTottenham Hotspur FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Aston Villa FC – Premier League – Supply: Getty

I count on Tottenham to win this sport fairly comfortably. I do not understand how Ipswich are going to outlive. They dominated the sport in opposition to Leicester final weekend however ended up taking pictures themselves within the foot and conceded a late equaliser. That is an enormous drawback for them.

Once you take a look at Spurs’ fixtures to date this season, you’d have anticipated them to be increased up the desk. They bought win over Aston Villa and have managed to win 4 out of their final 5 video games throughout competitions. Spurs are actually heading in the right direction. However let’s not overlook that also they are the crew that drew with Leicester and misplaced to Crystal Palace.

You do not know what you are going to get from them. In addition they have a very robust sport away from house to Galatasaray within the Europa Convention League arising. However nonetheless, I count on Tottenham to get the higher of Ipswich.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Ipswich City


Chelsea vs Arsenal

Manchester United FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: GettyManchester United FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Manchester United FC v Chelsea FC – Premier League – Supply: Getty

It is a large soccer match, particularly as a result of by the point it kicks off each Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool would have already performed. Liverpool may go 10 factors forward, Metropolis may open up an eight level lead, if Arsenal lose to Chelsea. Arsenal bought fortunate final weekend after Metropolis additionally slipped up in opposition to Bournemouth. However they will not count on any such favours this weekend.

It is a must-win sport for Arsenal. If you’re 10 and eight factors behind Liverpool and Metropolis after this gameweek, you are accomplished within the title race! I do not care if there are 27 video games nonetheless left within the season, Liverpool and Metropolis should not shedding that many video games.

Chelsea have misplaced all their massive video games this season and they’re in determined want of a win. If Arsenal shut Chelsea down shortly, the Blues could possibly be in hassle. I feel William Saliba and Gabriel will take pleasure in that battle with Nicolas Jackson. It will not be as simple for Jackson because it was in opposition to Newcastle in Chelsea’s final house sport within the league.

Arsenal win this sport if Cole Palmer would not play, it is so simple as that. The one means Chelsea have an opportunity is that if Palmer performs from the beginning. He’s the heartbeat and he makes every part occur for Chelsea. I am going for a draw right here, massive consequence for Chelsea however Arsenal will likely be out of the title race.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal


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