{"id":2294,"date":"2026-03-04T04:49:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T04:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news678.top\/?p=2294"},"modified":"2026-03-04T04:49:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T04:49:16","slug":"paul-merson-makes-brighton-vs-arsenal-and-newcastle-vs-man-utd-prediction-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=2294","title":{"rendered":"Paul Merson makes Brighton vs Arsenal and Newcastle vs Man Utd prediction | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Ex-Arsenal and England winger Paul Merson (Picture: Sky Sports)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Paul Merson has revealed his prediction for Arsenal\u2019s \u2018dangerous game\u2019 against Brighton and Manchester United\u2019s trip to Newcastle United.<\/p>\n

Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Brighton on Wednesday night aiming to maintain their five-point lead over Manchester City, who are also in action against Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n

Arsenal fans feared the start of a costly wobble after the Gunners drew with Brentford and Wolves, but derby wins over Tottenham and Chelsea has got their title charge back on track.<\/p>\n

Mikel Arteta\u2019s side have already beaten Brighton twice this season, first in the Carabao Cup and then in the Premier League, and Merson expects a similar outcome this time around.<\/p>\n

Brighton have endured a frustrating season under Fabian Hurzeler but have at least won their last two games to climb up to 11th as they target a top-half finish.<\/p>\n

\u2018This is a dangerous game for\u00a0Arsenal,\u2019 Merson told Sportskeeda. \u2018It\u2019s always these games against teams like Brighton that you need to win if you want to lift the title at the end of the season.<\/p>\n

\u2018Arsenal will face the pressure in every game now. It\u2019s not like the early part of the season where you can make up for a bad result. It becomes a major problem for them if any slip up happens in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

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Mikel Arteta\u2019s Arsenal are top of the Premier League (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018Declan Rice could be doubtful for this clash. He didn\u2019t look like he was moving well when he had that moment where he tried to kick the ball back to the goalkeeper during the win against Chelsea.<\/p>\n

\u2018This will be a nice game for Eberechi Eze though. I expect him to retain his spot in the starting line-up. Brighton are a good footballing team so he will get chances to make an impact. Arsenal to keep ticking along here, 1-2.\u2019<\/p>\n

On the same night Manchester United will look to continue their sensational form under caretaker boss Michael Carrick against Newcastle.<\/p>\n

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Both United\u2019s results and performance were underwhelming under Ruben Amorim but the Red Devils look like a different team under former midfielder Carrick, winning six of their last seven games.<\/p>\n

Newcastle have impressed in the Champions League and thrashed Qarabag 9-3 on aggregate to reach the knockout stages but that form has deserted them domestically.<\/p>\n

Eddie Howe\u2019s side have in fact lost five of their last six Premier League games to slip to 13th in the table, just 11 points above the relegation zone and 15 points outside the Champions League places.<\/p>\n

Merson is concerned by Newcastle\u2019s drop-off but still believes they will avoid defeat in an \u2018entertaining draw\u2019 with Manchester United.<\/p>\n

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Man Utd striker Benjamin Sesko is in superb form (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018Newcastle look very tired,\u2019 Merson added. \u2018They don\u2019t look like the team that usually play at St James\u2019 Park.<\/p>\n

\u2018Just look at their recent results at home. 3-2 losses to Everton and Brentford, 2-0 loss to Villa, goalless draw against Wolves. It\u2019s not the Newcastle we knew.<\/p>\n

\u2018Last season, they had a good combination between Sven Botman and Fabian Schar at the back. They are getting a bit exposed this time around with Dan Burn in there. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I like Burn and he\u2019s a good player but they are not the team from last season.<\/p>\n

\u2018Bruno Fernandes is back to his best under Michael Carrick. But in that game against Crystal Palace, I thought\u00a0Manchester United\u00a0were very slow to start.<\/p>\n

\u2018They were fortunate to not concede two goals. If United start like that against Newcastle, they are in trouble! Kobbie Mainoo has also stepped up so well in recent weeks.<\/p>\n

\u2018All Carrick has done is put everybody back in their best positions and they are playing freely. It\u2019s definitely a good time to be a Manchester United supporter.<\/p>\n

\u2018Newcastle are still a threat at home. They need their midfield three to start firing if they want to hurt Manchester United here. I expect an entertaining draw.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Arrow<\/title>\n<\/svg>MORE: Wes Brown pinpoints major problem Man Utd face if they don\u2019t appoint Michael Carrick<\/span><\/p>\n

Arrow<\/title>\n<\/svg>MORE: Arsenal boosted as \u2018special\u2019 target reveals transfer \u2018dream\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Arrow<\/title>\n<\/svg>MORE: Declan Rice injury update ahead of Brighton vs Arsenal<\/span><\/p>\n
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