Paul Merson’s predictions for Chelsea vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs Manchester City and other GW21 Premier League fixtures

Games are coming dense and fast in Premier League and there’s been a lot of drama in recent weeks, with big guns like Chelsea and Liverpool reduce points to empower proactively for City of Manchester in the title race. The situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic has not improved, leading to some games being rescheduled to the new year.

All in all, 2021 is yet another year to remember and the magic of the Premier League was on display for all to witness. That said, 21-game week could turn out to be a pivotal week in the title race, with Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and Chelsea lock horns with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday night.

The Premier League standings have begun to take shape, what will it look like after the next matches? Your guess is as good as mine at this point!

Arsenal vs Manchester City

Arsenal are playing well at the moment but Manchester City are on another planet so anything other than a win for the away team would be a huge surprise for me. Arsenal have always beaten the so-called underdogs and have struggled against the big boys – this Premier League encounter looks like it could go in the same direction.

Stuart Attwell will referee Arsenal’s match against Manchester City on New Year’s Day.

#ARSMCI

Stuart Attwell will referee Arsenal’s match against Manchester City on New Year’s Day. #ARSMCI https://t.co/WHaFkfwomT

I hope the Manchester City rogue continues.

Guess: Arsenal 1-3 Manchester City

Leicester City vs Norwich City

The result was fantastic for Leicester City against Liverpool. They played really well against Manchester City in the second half and staged a stunning comeback but topped with a famous result against Jurgen Klopp and co at the King Power Stadium.

On the other hand, Norwich City looks to have spent. In my opinion, they are gone and I see no way back for them. They were unlucky to lose to Manchester United but since then they have been completely eliminated by Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Leicester will have too many miles left for them, so I think this will be a comfortable win for the hosts.

Guess: Leicester City 4-0 Norwich City

Watford vs Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham will be very disappointed after losing points to Southampton – they have played with ten men for a long time without success. Watford are a fun team and always get results – I think they can put Spurs on Vicarage Road.

They were completely slaughtered by West Ham but we’ve seen what they can do at the other end of the pitch. The high tempo of the Spurs could catch up with them sooner rather than later, so I think this game will end it all.

Guess: Watford 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Crystal Palace vs West Ham United

Both teams are having great results in the Premier League, so it could be a great game at Selhurst Park. People may appreciate me for this, but I don’t think there’s much between the two in terms of quality.

Their league positions might suggest otherwise, but a closer look at Palace’s results this season will tell you they’ve been incredibly unlucky. A lot of things have gone against them, so I believe they should be higher on the Premier League table.

I can’t separate the two at the moment so I’ll draw 1-1.

Guess: Crystal Palace 1-1 West Ham United