Alan Shearer makes prediction for Man City vs Arsenal and Chelsea vs Man Utd | Football

Alan Shearer has revealed his predictions for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures including the ‘huge’ game between title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta takes the Premier League leaders to title-chasing Man City on Sunday in what Shearer has described as ‘the biggest game of the season’.

Arsenal boast a six-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side but the title will be in Man City’s hands should they beat the Gunners as they have a game in hand to play.

Elsewhere there is another important game in the race for Champions League football as Manchester United take on Chelsea.

United have climbed to third in the Premier League under caretaker boss Michael Carrick while Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea have slipped to sixth following a difficult run.

Spiralling Tottenham will be desperate to return to winning ways at home to Brighton while fellow relegation-battlers West Ham take on London rivals Crystal Palace.

As ever, England legend and Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer has provided his Premier League predictions to Metro.

Brentford v Fulham

I was pretty disappointed with Fulham last week at Liverpool. I thought they could have gone for it a little bit more so, for that reason, I’m going to say, Brentford at home.

I mean, they drew with a late equaliser from Everton, but I think they’ll have enough to beat Fulham this weekend, so Brentford home win.

I’ve been hugely impressed with Igor Thiago this season. I know they got him the season before, but he got an injury and didn’t play too many games, and I think for what Brentford did in selling who they sold in Wissa and then Mbuemo, for him to come in and only be one goal behind Erling Haaland is remarkable.

He’s really horrible to play against. It’s not just his goals, he does a lot of work off the ball, running in behind, bringing people into the game.

The goals are obviously an added bonus, but there’s no doubt here he’ll feature in the Premier League team of the Season.

Prediction – Brentford win

Leeds v Wolves

If Leeds win this, then they’re staying up. That’s the way they’ll view it, and I think the confidence that the win against Man United will give them, will carry them through and be enough.

It’ll be a cracking atmosphere at Elland Road. They know what’s at stake and I think they’ll beat Wolves. Wolves have been poor. They’ve had a little pickup, but still away from home, I think they’re vulnerable.

Prediction – Leeds win

Newcastle v Bournemouth

I’ve got no belief in Newcastle winning. That’s the problem. I don’t know what Newcastle are going to turn up. When they get into the lead, they can’t get that second goal, and that’s hurt them so many times this season.

I was massively impressed with Bournemouth last weekend with how they played at Arsenal. Some really top performances from a lot of players, and their recruitment’s been good.

I know Iraola’s announced he’s not going to be there next season. That will be a huge loss for them. I just think his style of play, how brave he’s been, and that was summed up at going to Arsenal last weekend.

They press ridiculously high, do it really well and make it difficult for the opposition. After selling so many of their players at the end of last season, or the beginning of the season, to get through and get the recruitment that they have done is a huge plus for him and for Bournemouth, so they’ll miss him, definitely.

As much as I’d love to see a Newcastle win, I don’t feel confident in saying that, so I’m going to say a draw.

Prediction – Draw

Tottenham v Brighton

Brighton have been in superb form, I think they’re in ninth at the minute, and they’ve got a chance of getting into a European place, and they have picked up, and they’re in some good form.

I don’t have any belief in Spurs, either. I think what we saw last weekend at Sunderland, it wouldn’t fill me with confidence that they can get something at home under huge pressure. I’ve got no belief in them so I’m going to say a Brighton away win.

Prediction – Brighton win

Chelsea v Manchester United

It’s a huge game and probably one that Chelsea have to win if they want to play Champions League football next season.

I was disappointed with Man United on Monday evening, they were really flat and are struggling defensively with Maguire out and Martinez out. I think I’m going to go for Chelsea to win this one, Chelsea to win at home.

Chelsea do look a bit lost, I think. I’m not convinced defensively Rosenior’s got them doing the right things, and he made his point with Enzo Fernandez, it’ll be interesting to see how he reacts, and how he takes to that, and how the rest of the squad take to that.

I think they might just have enough to beat Man United this weekend, though.

Prediction – Chelsea win

Aston Villa v Sunderland

Sunderland, I know they’ve beaten Newcastle away from home, but they haven’t been great in large parts of the season away from home. And I think Villa, with the way they’re going, I think Villa will have enough to beat them at home.

Villa dropping points last week has put them back under a bit of pressure for those Champions League spots, that’s why they have to win, particularly their home games, and that’s why I think they’ll win this game.

Prediction – Aston Villa win

Everton v Liverpool

It’s a tough one. You know what I’m like when it comes to derby games. I’m going to sit on the fence and say it’s going to be a draw. I was going to say to keep both fans happy, but I’m not sure they will be.

Everton are having a brilliant season whereas Liverpool are not, so I think it’ll be a draw. Liverpool playing in midweek should not affect them because it’s a derby game, and we know what derby games are like, and there’s always an added, extra atmosphere.

The midweek game is no excuse at all for Liverpool because of the size of this game and what it means to the people.

Prediction – Draw

Nottingham Forest v Burnley

I think a home win here for Nottingham Forest. If they want to stay up, then they have to be winning these games.

I think Burnley will make it as tough as possible for them, but Burnley are done and have been for a while so I’ll go for a home win.

Prediction – Nottingham Forest win

Manchester City v Arsenal

The whole season effectively comes down to this game. I think it’s huge and the biggest game of the season for both clubs.

Confidence and momentum is such a big thing, which is why I’m going to say a Man City home win. I think the belief they’ll get from beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and the performances of the last couple of weeks.

I think a draw would be a good result for Arsenal, but I think City might have too much for them. Arteta knows there’s been no panic from Pep, has there?

It’s always been pretty consistent, and they always cone good at this time of the year, and it looks as if they are. They’ve won their first trophy and could even end up getting the treble.

I just think with the momentum that they’ve got and the confidence that they’ve got, I think they might have too much.

It’d be really interesting to see what Arsenal do, whether they sort of sit back or try to take the game to City, but I think City might just have too much for them.

Prediction – Manchester City win

Crystal Palace v West Ham

Crystal Palace beat Newcastle last week; they brought the three key players on for the last half an hour or so which won them the game. And they are in Europe.

Having said that, I’ve got a sneaky feeling West Ham might go there and nick something. I don’t think West Ham will be beaten.

Depending on what team Glasner wants to put out, because obviously they have a European game, I’m going to say a West Ham away win which doesn’t bode well for Tottenham. I’ve tipped all the other teams to win other than Tottenham.

Prediction – West Ham win

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