The Premier League returns on Saturday and football fans will troop to the various stadiums to watch their teams after two weeks of no League games. The week round of fixtures begins with two Premier League title contenders in Arsenal and Tottenham.
Tottenham will travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Premier League leaders Arsenal, a venue where Tottenham has recorded only one win since 2006.
However, Paul Merson expects a tough match from North London derby but tips Arsenal to win 2-1.
The former Arsenal playmaker also predicts a 3-1 win for Manchester City in the Manchester Derby, when Pep Guardiola’s side face Erik Ten Hag‘s Manchester United on Sunday at the Etihad.
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What is Paul Merson’s prediction for the North London and Manchester Derbies?
The former Arsenal midfielder said on Sportskeeda: “This is a game that never lets you down. There are certainly other games in the Premier League calendar where we build them up and they disappoint, but that is never the case with this fixture.”
Arsenal Vs Tottenham
“The way they’re playing at the moment, I don’t see Tottenham being able to beat Arsenal. They did defeat Leicester by a 6-2 margin the other day, but the scoreline flattered them in my opinion. Son Heung-min hasn’t done well when he’s started games so far this season, and Antonio Conte might use him as an impact player to turn to on the bench.
“Are Arsenal title contenders? I’ll be able to answer that question after they play Liverpool next week. There’s no point in winning one big game and losing the next one. Arsenal lost to Manchester United and they now have two big games which they need to win.
‘I was quite shocked that Ben White didn’t make it to the England squad. He can play in three different positions, and that could help Gareth Southgate. When White plays at right-back for Arsenal, it allows Tierney to bomb forward and they effectively play with a back three. It has worked well for Mikel Arteta so far, and there’s no reason to change that.
‘With Manchester City in the title race, both these teams should realistically aim for a top-four finish. Arsenal absolutely dismantled Brentford in their previous game, and their home advantage gives them the upper hand in this match.’
Paul Merson’s prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City Vs Manchester United
“Manchester United has got the players to hurt Manchester City. We’ve seen a lot of times that it’s one way or the other for United—they’ll either get a result, or they’ll get ripped to shreds.
“The longer they stay in this game, the more they’ll get involved and create chances. There will be gaps in City’s defense, and the likes of Eriksen and Fernandes will need to find that perfect pass.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will find himself on the bench yet again this weekend. If United has to win this game, they have to play with the pace on the counter. Ronaldo struggled for Portugal the other day, and he isn’t going to start this game.
“Tyrell Malacia hasn’t done much wrong in the Premier League so far. Erik ten Hag knows him, and he’s probably going to start against Man City. Man United have been harder to score against in their last four games and will probably stick to the same defense.
“It’s going to be a hard game for Man United’s front line. I’m not sure if Ten Hag will play Antony from the start—there will be a lot of tracking back, with Joao Cancelo bombing forward.
“Manchester City will look to create overloads in the final third, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Elanga plays just to track Cancelo.
“I don’t imagine Pep Guardiola asking his players to play diagonal balls onto Erling Haaland’s head. I don’t think Haaland really cares about his opponents. He’s just scary—he’s exceptionally quick and his movement is phenomenal.
“Man United are going to sit back and soak it all up, with Marcus Rashford playing on the counter. They’ll have to defend unbelievably well to get anything out of this match. I don’t see how they’re going to sit back without Man City not hurting them, and I think Pep Guardiola’s side will break them down, eventually.’
Paul Merson’s prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United.
