Chelsea's Champions League bid must survive the champions LiverpoolChelsea's Champions League bid must survive the champions Liverpool
Chelsea's Champions League bid must survive the champions Liverpool | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
A look at the pundit predictions for the Premier League’s Sunday and Monday games, involving plenty of London sides.
Brentford vs Man Utd
Chris Sutton
“We know Manchester United are going to make changes here, because seeing out the second leg of their Europa League semi-final with Athletic Bilbao is their priority. Ruben Amorim's side nicked a point at the very end of their game at Bournemouth last weekend, which sparked mass celebrations, but I really don't see them doing the same against Brentford - they won't be getting the bunting out this time.
“The Bees are such a dangerous team when they come forward and they will keep on attacking United. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa should get plenty of chances and I can see them getting a goal or two between them. Prediction: 2-0.”
Paul Merson
“Manchester United should forget about this game. They have two important games in the Europa League against Athletic Club and that is what they must focus on. I don't think Ruben Amorim will pay much attention to this game and I expect Brentford to take full advantage.
“I would pick Athletic Club as slight favourites in the Europa League semi-final. But I wouldn't underestimate Manchester United over two legs in that tie. We saw Real Madrid crash out in the Champions League and even when Barcelona are so good going forward, they are still open at the back. When was the last time Inter scored three goals? It makes me wonder about LaLiga and the teams there. I wouldn't be surprised if United reached the final and faced Tottenham! Prediction: Brentford 2-0 Manchester United.”
West Ham vs Tottenham
Chris Sutton
“This is 17th versus 16th in the Premier League which tells you how bad both teams have been this season. Everyone knows Tottenham's focus will be on their Europa League semi-final second leg with Bodo/Glimt so I think West Ham boss Graham Potter needs a result here more than Ange Postecoglou. Potter's results have been poor since he took over from Julen Lopetegui in January and the Hammers fans have not had the upturn they wanted in the way their team play either.
“Spurs can still be dangerous even when they are out of form but Ange is not going to pick his strongest team. That gives West Ham a better chance of getting the win they badly need, but I don't see them doing it in style. Prediction: 2-1.”
Paul Merson
“This is one of West Ham's biggest games of the season - Tottenham Hotspur at home in the Premier League! And this will hurt Spurs fans because they have to completely write this game off, unless they beat Bodo/Glimt by a huge margin in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
“Spurs beating Bodo/Glimt by a huge margin is a possibility though. Bodo/Glimt are a much better team at home and if Spurs win 3-0 in north London, that could settle the tie in my opinion! But the question is, will Tottenham turn up? We know how inconsistent they can be, so it isn't a foregone conclusion that they will go through. West Ham have been terrible all season but I'm backing them to win because I don't think Spurs will prioritise this game. Prediction: West Ham United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur.”
Chelsea vs Liverpool
Chris Sutton
“I would usually be asking which Chelsea side will turn up, but that applies to Liverpool too this week. Arne Slot's side could have been out all week celebrating their title win and we don't know how that will affect them. You often play at your best when you have been on the lash in a scenario like theirs. For example, some of my best games for Celtic came after nights out where we had won something and were allowed to have a couple of beers, but I don't know what to expect here.
“Chelsea have nicked a couple of results recently, to stay in the race for the top five, but their performances have not been too convincing and their fans still don't seem to have taken to Enzo Maresca's playing style. This is not the test for them that it would be if Liverpool were trying to close out the title but I don't think Slot is the type to let anyone take their foot off the gas. He will put out a strong team and even if they play with more freedom, I still think Liverpool will leave with the points. Prediction: 1-2.”
Paul Merson
“I always speak about timings in football. And there is no better time for Chelsea to face Liverpool! Three weeks ago, this would have been a tough game, but now Chelsea have a good chance of winning it. I say that because Liverpool just won the league and they would have been partying!
“I'm not saying Liverpool players won't be professional enough. But even if you step off the gas by five per cent in this league, you will get punished. Let's not forget this is a must-win game for Chelsea and they will be hungry for the three points. If Chelsea want to qualify for Champions League next season, they must beat Liverpool.
“After this game, Chelsea face Newcastle away and Manchester United at home before the game against Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season. A draw would be a good result at Newcastle and I believe they can beat United at home. Then it all comes down to that final game against Forest, which could basically become a cup final to decide Champions League qualification. Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea.”
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest
Chris Sutton
“Crystal Palace will be on a high after booking their place in the FA Cup final, so this is another very tricky game for Nottingham Forest, who slipped up at home against Brentford on Thursday. Nuno Espirito Santo's side will have to be stubborn and resolute to get anything at Selhurst Park. They have shown that kind of character plenty of times already this season but they really need it now.
“Looking at the race for the top five you feel like every team involved needs to win every game, but of course that is not going to happen, and I can see my boyhood team Forest dropping more points here. I just hope it doesn't prove crucial for them. Prediction: 1-1.”
Paul Merson
“The pressure will be on Nottingham Forest in this game. On paper, they have two easy games coming up. But in reality, it isn't as easy as it looks. Crystal Palace will be buoyed by the fact that they are going to play the FA Cup final after beating Aston Villa.
“We all know how dangerous Palace can be while going forward. And trust me, Selhurst Park is an intimidating place to go play football when their fans are in the mood. That makes this one a really tough game for Forest. If they can beat Palace, that would be a huge result. But I think this will be a draw. Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest.”
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