Shearer looks ahead to another busy weekend in the top flight (Picture: Getty)
Alan Shearer is once again on hand to provide us with his predictions for another packed weekend of Premier League action.
Arsenal could be 10 points clear at the summit by the time Manchester City kick off in Saturday’s late kick-off. The Gunners entertain Everton before Pep Guardiola’s side, still wounded from a thrashing in Madrid, head to West Ham who are scrapping for their lives.
The race for Champions League qualification is hotting up with Chelsea hosting Newcastle United. Manchester United and Aston Villa, who start the weekend third and fourth respectively, meet at Old Trafford while Liverpool host Tottenham at Anfield.
Spurs start the weekend one point above the relegation zone – victory for West Ham and Nottingham Forest could suck the north Londoners into the bottom three.
As ever, England legend and Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer has revealed his Premier League predictions to Metro.
Burnley vs Bournemouth
I don’t have any belief in Burnley and the way Bournemouth are going on, I’m going to say an away win.
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Verdict? Bournemouth win
Burnley have shown some resolve in recent weeks (Picture: Getty)
Sunderland vs Brighton
Sunderland at home, one week ahead of the derby game against Newcastle. I think they’ll be tough to beat.
I think Granit Xhaka can maybe be back as well, so I’m going to say Sunderland, tight home win.
They were poor last weekend and it was a great result for Port Vale. They’ll be looking to bounce back at home after the FA Cup, and for the most part this season in the Premier League, they’ve more than held their own.
Verdict? Sunderland win
Chelsea vs Newcastle
Two teams that have been in the Champions League this week and will be again next week. I’m sure you’ll see changes to the starting eleven for both. I’m not confident either way, so I’ll go for a draw.
Verdict? Draw
Chelsea looking to hold onto a top five spot (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal vs Everton
It was a bit of a poor result for Arsenal midweek, but Everton going to Arsenal will be a step too far.
I think Arsenal will win, but it will be difficult because of how very good Everton are away from home and how their style of play suits them.
Verdict? Arsenal win
Arsenal can tighten their grip on top spot (Picture: Getty)
West Ham vs Man City
City have to go pretty faultless from now till the end of the season if they want to win the league. There was a massive shock in midweek getting beaten by Real Madrid, especially in the way they did.
But Pep will change it up, and it shouldn’t really affect them because who comes in are really talented players. West Ham have made a right fist of it – six weeks ago they were dead and buried. You have to give Nuno real credit for at least making a fight of it, but I think Man City will have too much for them.
Verdict? City win
It could be another nervous evening for Pep (Picture: Getty)
Crystal Palace vs Leeds
Leeds have been dragged into the relegation battle again after their last game against Sunderland – a poor result at home. Crystal Palace are up and down, and it seems to be a bit chaotic at their club. I’m going to go draw.
Verdict? Draw
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Villa seem to be in freefall, but Man United were really poor at Newcastle, even against ten men.
It’s tough to call because Villa have to bounce back, but I’m going to go for a Man United home win because they’ll have a free week to prepare, whereas Aston Villa have an away game in Europe.
Verdict? Man Utd win
United hope Sesko has more goals in him (Picture: Getty)
Nottingham Forest vs Fulham
Tough one. I’m seeing little bits of improvement in Forest. I can’t understand why Fulham made so many changes in their FA Cup when they’re basically safe, but they will come back and change the team completely again. I think they have to bounce back, so Fulham away win.
Verdict? Fulham win
Liverpool vs Tottenham
I have no confidence whatsoever in Spurs, so Liverpool home win. It could be messy. Anything could happen at Anfield, if Liverpool score early, then Spurs could capitulate.
Tudor desperately needs to a lifeline (Picture: Getty)
The size of the game for Tottenham, I know Liverpool have got a huge game against Galatasaray which they have to get through and win, but the magnitude of this for Tottenham is incredible.
I have no belief or confidence that they’ll go there and win.
Verdict? Liverpool win
Brentford vs Wolves
Brentford home win. I saw Wolves a couple of times away from home, and I think Brentford will just overpower them.
Verdict? Brentford win
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