Manchester City will hope to close in on League leaders Arsenal when they travel to the King Power stadium to face Leicester City.
Leicester City are unbeaten in their last three Premier League matches and are now 2 points off the relegation zone after a 4-0 win over Wolves.
Manchester United are looks like a solid team under Erik ten Hag now. After a 6-3 thrashing by Manchester City, the Red Devils have gone for games unbeaten. United face a resurgence West Ham United, who have lost only one match in their last five Premier League games.
The Gunners will seek to extend their lead as the leaders in the Premier League when they host Nottingham. Arsenal were frustrated in their last game against Southampton where they drew 1-1.
Nottingham Forest comes into the game with much confidence after an impressive 1-0 win over Liverpool.
Paul Merson has predicted a win for Manchester United and Arsenal and a draw for Manchester City.
What is Paul Merson’s prediction for Leicester City V Manchester City, Manchester United V West Ham, and Arsenal V Nottingham Forest?
The Arsenal Icon said on Sportkeeda:
Leicester City vs Manchester City
“This is going to be a hard game for Manchester City. I know where Leicester are in the Premier League table but you never know which Leicester you’re going to get. They wiped the floor with the Wolves last week and they’ve got good players. But they did lose to Bournemouth, and I don’t know which Leicester will turn up this week.
“We all know how good Manchester City are, but Leicester have done well against Pep Guardiola’s teams over the years. The thing with Man City is that they’re a brilliant team, but they do give you chances.
“When Man City were 2-1 up against Brighton last week, if you’d have asked me who was going to score the next goal, I would’ve backed Brighton. You can hurt Man City, but you’ve got to pick the right pass.
“Leicester isn’t great at the back, but they play a certain way and that can hurt Pep’s team. They’re in a false position in the Premier League team at the moment and have played well, but they’ve been inconsistent.
“I think there are a lot of goals in this game. If the wrong Leicester turns up, Man City will wipe the floor with them. If the right one turns up, it’s game on. I think Leicester can do well this weekend. Prediction: Leicester City 2-2 Manchester City”
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
“Mikel Arteta has been quite clever with Arsenal. He has played four solid defenders at the back – Ben White, Tomiyasu, and the two center-backs. Thomas Partey plays in front of them – he’s played for one of the most disciplined teams in world football Atletico Madrid. Arteta’s told the rest of the team to go out there and express themselves, and it’s worked wonders for his side.
“Granit Xhaka is playing for Arsenal now like he does for Switzerland. I used to watch him play for his national team and wonder why he couldn’t play like that for Arsenal. He has turned up now, and I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves. He plays for his manager, and he’s always been one of the first names on the team sheet.
“I know they suffered a bad result the other day against Southampton, but they didn’t lose – that’s a big compliment. Last season, they would’ve lost that game. If Arsenal are at the top of the Premier League table come to the World Cup break, it’ll be a massive feat.
“Nottingham Forest will sit back and play ten men behind the ball, but I think Arsenal will have too much for them. The earlier they find the back of the net, the bigger the final score will be. Forest are going to play one way and one way only, but I think Arsenal should be able to win this match Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest.”
Manchester United vs West Ham United
“Manchester United are doing well at the moment and I like what the manager has done. They were outstanding in the first half against Chelsea, and they played well against Tottenham. I did say that it would be a big week for United, and they did well.
“Erik ten Hag had to do something about Cristiano Ronaldo. After such a great performance, everyone in the dressing room would’ve been watching the situation. Ronaldo just can’t do what he did. Man’s a legend, but you’ve got to set an example. That was a long walk, and he would’ve known exactly what he was doing.
“Ronaldo missed the game against Chelsea, and Manchester United didn’t have a forward to bring on in the second half to change the game. They didn’t lose that match, and I think Ten Hag got away with it in the end.
“West Ham are a funny team and can be hard to beat, but they haven’t got going yet this season. They can hurt you as they did with Liverpool, and this could be one of those games where the West Ham of last season turns up. On the current form, however, I don’t see it. Man, United are playing really well – the football’s good, the energy’s good, and I think they’ll win this game Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 West Ham United.”
