Chelsea and Arsenal will renew their rivalry when they face off in a London Derby in the Premier League on Sunday.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal topped their respective groups in the Champions League and Europa League respectively.
Arsenal are top of the Premier League with 31 points. The Gunners come into this game with much confidence after thrashing Nottingham Forest 5-0 at the Emirate.
The blues will hope to bounce back from their 4-1 embarrassing defeat to Brighton at the Amex. Chelsea had not recorded a win in their last three Premier League games.
Manchester City could move to the top of the Premier League on Sunday when they face stubborn Fulham at the Etihad on Sunday. Manchester City are yet to lose a game at home this season and will continue to continue their impressive run when they Fulham.
Fulham are undefeated in their last four Premier League games and are currently seventh in the Premier League.
Paul Merson has predicted a 1-1 draw for the London Derby between Chelsea and Arsenal but expects Manchester City to beat Fulham.
What is Paul Merson’s prediction for Chelsea V Arsenal and Manchester City V Fulham?
Previewing the Chelsea V Arsenal and Manchester City V Fulham on Sportskeeda, He said:
Chelsea V Arsenal
“This is a massive game for both teams, for different reasons. If Arsenal wins, they will go 13 points clear of Chelsea. Let’s be realistic now – Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea aren’t talking about winning the Premier League title. The title race is over for them, and they’re looking for a top-four finish.
“If Arsenal wins this game, they’d have to lose five football matches for Chelsea to catch them, and that’s if Chelsea doesn’t lose themselves. This is a big game for Arsenal, and they’ll need to avoid defeat. They need to make sure they’re not flat-track bullies. If Arsenal doesn’t lose this match, you’d expect them to be in the running for the Premier League title for a long time.
“I’m not sure who’s going to play for Chelsea this week. We all know what Arsenal team is going to play, and that’s why they’re at the top of the Premier League table. They’re playing the same team every week, and it’s working a treat – fair play to Arteta.
“Arsenal needs a big squad and it does look like they’ll go deep into multiple competitions. They’re at the top of the Premier League table, and they’re doing well in the Europa League. Arsenal needs to keep players like Kieran Tierney in their squad.
“Raheem Sterling is not a wing-back. It’s a really hard position to play in, and you can’t just put anybody there. Graham Potter got it horribly wrong last week. Great wing-backs don’t get the credit they deserve – they take one full side of the pitch and they’ve got to go up and down. Raheem Sterling is as much of a wing-back as I am a goalkeeper.
“Arsenal are flying in the Premier League at the moment, and they don’t need the World Cup rest. They’re on a roll and they were outstanding against Forest. I think this match will end in a draw, and that’ll be a good result for Arsenal. Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal.”
Manchester City V Fulham
“This is a game where Fulham can have a swing. They’re flying in the Premier League, and they don’t have to worry about the league table. They’re already halfway to safety, and they can have a go this weekend.
“The advantage Manchester City have is their squad depth. They don’t have to play in top gear to win this match. Their players might hold themselves back ahead of the World Cup, but City should be all right.
“I think this is a nice game for Manchester City because Fulham will open the game up. I don’t think they’ll sit back and defend, and Pep Guardiola will love that. Fulham will score if they have a go, but Manchester City should be able to win this game. Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Fulham.”
