Paul Merson's prediction for Leeds vs Manchester United, Manchester City vs Tottenham and other Premier League GW26 fixtures

Will Cristiano Ronaldo get his name on the scoresheet for the second game running?
Will Cristiano Ronaldo get his name on the scoresheet for the second game running?

Southampton vs Everton

Newcastle United v Everton - Premier League
Newcastle United v Everton - Premier League

Southampton have been very good in recent weeks and could get another positive result against Everton this time around. Ralf Hasenhuttl's side were outstanding against Tottenham and also put on a spirited showing against Manchester United, while Everton, on the other hand, have blown hot and cold under Frank Lampard.

Southampton are on a bit of a roll, so I think they'll win this game. Armando Broja is someone who has really caught my eye this season and I strongly believe he's got a future at Chelsea. He's big, he's strong, he's quick and has shown that he can score goals consistently at the top level, so even if Chelsea do let him go, I think they'll look to include a buy-back clause in his contract.

Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Everton


Aston Villa vs Watford

Newcastle United v Aston Villa - Premier League
Newcastle United v Aston Villa - Premier League

Both Aston Villa and Watford are coming on the back of poor performances, but I think this will be a good game with a lot of goals. Watford have got to go swinging and look to collect as many points as possible, especially since Villa look vulnerable at the back.

Roy Hodgson has got good players at Watford and if he gets his forwards clicking, he will win football matches. I think he'll tell his players to keep it tight at Villa Park and turn to his forwards to potentially win them the game, so this could turn out to be an exciting contest.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Watford


Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League

This is a very good game, but Conor Gallagher will be a huge miss for Crystal Palace as he can't feature against his parent club Chelsea. I do like Palace a lot and they've played some good football under Patrick Vieira this season, but Chelsea will have a little bit too much for them.

I don't think it'll be a huge scoreline, but I fancy Chelsea to win this one. Mason Mount is injured and that's a massive blow for Thomas Tuchel, but if I was tasked with naming a front three for Chelsea at the moment, I'd go for Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Chelsea


Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur

Aston Villa v Manchester City - Premier League
Aston Villa v Manchester City - Premier League

Tottenham are struggling badly in the Premier League. A few weeks ago, they were seventh with three games in hand, but after playing them all, they've somehow dropped down to eighth! I don't see anything but a Manchester City win here and it could well be a huge scoreline if the home side bring their A-game.

These are worrying times for Spurs. If they sit back and defend for the entirety of the game, I think it may only be 2-0 but if they open it up, it could be six. At the moment, they are desperately devoid of confidence and haven't had any luck, so this could be a long day for the likes of Harry Kane and Son-Heung Min.

Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur


Leeds United vs Manchester United

Burnley v Manchester United - Premier League
Burnley v Manchester United - Premier League

This is a massive game. Manchester United have done well against Leeds United since their return to the Premier League and I fancy them to get a positive result once again. If Leeds had all their players fit, I would've probably fancied them, but it has to be said that the way they play suits Manchester United.

There will be goals in this one, so I'm going for a 3-1 win for Manchester United. I don't really know why Jadon Sancho is playing as a left-winger after impressing on the right side at Borussia Dortmund, but he's trying to get to grips with the Premier League and will be alright in the grand scheme of things. The kid can play because he's got talent and will start to produce consistently with a confidence boost and better decision-making in the final third.

As for Bruno Fernandes, he's just got to get on the ball and make things happen for his team. The more touches he gets, the better Manchester United play as a team. Personally, I like it when he plays a little deeper because he can pick a pass, but I also like where he is playing under Ralf Rangnick at the moment.

Prediction: Leeds United 1-3 Manchester United


Wolves vs Leicester City

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Southampton - Premier League
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Southampton - Premier League

Leicester are struggling at the moment, so I see Wolves winning this one. The Foxes have endured a difficult season with regard to injuries and have won just one of their last five Premier League games.

Wolves, on the other hand, have been impressive under Bruno Lage. If they beat Leicester and top it off with a win against Arsenal, they could have top-four aspirations! The Portuguese manager has done an unbelievable job since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo and Wolves are getting results while also playing entertaining football.

Leicester City haven't had a bunch of key defenders fit for large parts of the season and that could come back to haunt them once again.

Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Leicester City

Quick Links