Paul Merson predictions for Tottenham vs Chelsea and other Premier League GW 5 fixtures

The Premier League returns this weekend after an exciting set of European games in midweek. Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United return was the major talking point from the previous game week and he showed exactly why with a match-winning contribution against Newcastle United.

The sheer unpredictability of the Premier League is why we love it. You look at a few games and think they are easy to call, but it can bite you in the backside. Premier League teams turn up to try and beat others and not just to make up the numbers - that is why it is the most popular league in world football.

Hopefully, game week five brings us a lot of goals! On that note, here are my predictions, with Sunday's encounter between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur widely regarded as the standout fixture of the Premier League weekend.

Newcastle United vs Leeds United

Guiseley v Leeds United: Pre-Season Friendly

I watched Newcastle United the other day against Manchester United and at 1-1, it was heads or tails - anyone could have won it! Somehow, they ended up losing 4-1, but that's the nature of the game.

I look at Leeds United and for me, they've been quite disappointing so far in the Premier League. It's not an extreme situation as things stand, but it seems like a Sheffield United situation from the 2020-21 Premier League season as teams are used to the way they play now. Marcelo Bielsa has to change it up a little bit because they've become a bit predictable now, as opposed to what was the case when they got promoted to the Premier League.

I like watching Leeds United and this is an important game for them - it could set the tone for the rest of their Premier League campaign. At the moment, I'm worried for them and if they fail to win this one, I don't see them having an impressive campaign.

I've thought about it a lot, but I can't split the two teams. I'm going for a draw at St. James' Park with plenty of goals on the night.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 Leeds United

Wolves vs Brentford

Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League

I must say it was a bad result for Brentford against Brighton, as they lost to a late winner from Leandro Trossard. They beat Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League, but since then, it's been two draws and a defeat. They face Liverpool after this, so before they know it, Brentford could get into one of those winless runs that become incredibly hard to turn around. From a bed of roses, their Premier League campaign could turn into a nightmare - that's the nature of the English top-flight.

I've been so impressed by Wolves, they were really unlucky to lose their first three games. They could have won them all if I'm being honest and finally managed to get their first three points of the season last weekend, so I expect them to carry on from where they left off.

I can't see anything other than a Wolves win, they will be too good for Brentford.

Prediction: Wolves 2-0 Brentford

Norwich City vs Watford

Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth - Carabao Cup Second Round

This is Norwich City's big game and you could also say the same for Watford. In my opinion, this is one of the hardest games to predict this Premier League weekend, as it's a must-win game for both sides.

When I watch Norwich play, I just can't see how they are going to win games. If they fail to win this one, it could well turn out to be another one of those seasons where they don't rack up too many points on the board and eventually suffer relegation.

That said, Watford are good on the counter and Norwich will look to come and attempt to take the game to their opponents, so this could work out well for the visitors. They have a lot of pace on the counterattack, so I fancy Watford to come out on top.

Prediction: Norwich City 1-2 Watford

Burnley vs Arsenal

West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Second Round

Burnley were bang unlucky against Everton and lost the game thanks to that bad five-minute spell in the second half. They were the better team for about 45 minutes, but all of a sudden the game was over as Everton scored three quick-fire goals. What I'm trying to say is that Burnley aren't a bad team, so this could be a good Premier League contest.

As for Arsenal, they fell over the line against Norwich City, but three points is exactly what they needed to kick-start their season. They've done well against Burnley over the years, so I fancy them to make it successive wins in the Premier League.

Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Arsenal

Also Read: "If I'm the manager, I'm telling him to sit" - Ferdinand on Cristiano Ronaldo's touchline antics for Manchester United

Manchester City vs Southampton

Manchester City v Barnsley: Pre-Season Friendly

I don't mean to disrespect Southampton, but it's just a matter of how many Manchester City score. Is it going to be three, four or five? Just have your pick because it's going to be one-way traffic.

The way Manchester City play is just unbelievable. Kevin De Bruyne started the UEFA Champions League encounter against RB Leipzig and could well do so again in the Premier League. If he plays, it could rain goals for the home side, but they should win regardless. For Southampton, this one will be about damage limitation.

Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Southampton

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

I watched Liverpool play in the UEFA Champions League last night and they absolutely blew AC Milan away in the first 15 minutes or so. They missed a penalty in the first half and somehow went into half-time 2-1 down! Virgil van Dijk was rested and Liverpool looked a bit shaky at the back at times, but he's likely to return to the starting XI against Crystal Palace.

Against Leeds United, Liverpool could have won 7-0, but they were wasteful in attack. It just seems to me like when the game is over, their attackers just go and do their own thing. Sometimes, it's like watching grassroots football - when one team is winning 10-0, everyone wants to score!

Palace had a good result against Tottenham Hotspur, as they recorded their first win of the Premier League season. That said, I expect Liverpool to win this one rather comfortably.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Crystal Palace

Aston Villa vs Everton

Everton were not going anywhere against Burnley, but all of a sudden, Andros Townsend scored that unbelievable goal and the game turned on its head. I'm still waiting for Aston Villa to fully turn up in the Premier League, which could well be this week.

If Villa decide to show up, this could turn out to be quite the game. In terms of quality, there's not much between the two sides, so they will cause each other problems. So far, Everton have hit the ground running and Villa haven't, but I really can't split them.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Everton

Brighton vs Leicester City

Manchester City v Leicester City - The FA Community Shield

This is another tough Premier League game to call. The Leicester City vs Manchester City game was a really good football match, I really enjoyed watching that one. Leicester caused problems that night and will do so once again this week, but I once again predict a share of spoils.

Brighton are quite wasteful in front of goal, but I expect them to put the ball into the back of the net.

Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Leicester City

West Ham United vs Manchester United

Manchester United v Newcastle United - Premier League

if Michail Antonio was playing, I'd give West Ham every chance in this game. Unfortunately, he isn't, so I'm really not sure how they could cope without him. Manchester United are not really playing well - the results they've got so far in the Premier League have simply papered over their cracks.

They were really fortunate against Wolves and as I mentioned earlier, the game against Newcastle United was evenly matched for a while. The UEFA Champions League loss against Young Boys will serve as a kick up the backside for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and co - it should liven them up for this one.

They got a wake-up call at the right time and now they know that they will get beaten in the Premier League if they perform as poorly as they did in midweek. That said, Manchester United have looked quite solid at the back domestically and with Antonio out, they should win this one.

Prediction: West Ham United 0-1 Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea

Chelsea FC v Zenit St. Petersburg: Group H - UEFA Champions League

I don't see anything other than a Chelsea win. As for Spurs, this has been the way for quite a while now. They get to a certain place and start playing well, but suddenly, they face a struggling side and lose rather comprehensively! Crystal Palace scored two late goals, but Spurs never looked like winning even when it was 1-0.

I watched Chelsea play against Zenit in the UEFA Champions League and Romelu Lukaku didn't have too many chances. However, he popped up to score the matchwinner with a brilliant goal and that is exactly what he brings to the team - I fancy him to score every time he plays!

The fans will be up for this one and I predict Chelsea to be too strong for Spurs on the night.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Chelsea

Also Read: 5 best transfers of the 2021 summer window - Fabrizio Romano Exclusive

About the author

Paul Merson is a former professional footballer who is best known for his stint with Arsenal. He won five major trophies in a career spanning over 12 years with the Gunners and remains a firm fan-favorite at the club.

After his retirement, Merson has continued to be involved in the beautiful game as a media personality.

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Edited by Vishal Subramanian