Arsenal can bruise Newcastle United's top five hopes this weekendArsenal can bruise Newcastle United's top five hopes this weekend
Arsenal can bruise Newcastle United's top five hopes this weekend | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
All the pundit predictions for the Premier League’s Saturday and Sunday games involving London clubs.
West Ham vs Nottingham Forest
Paul Merson
“Nottingham Forest have to get something out of this match. If they don't, it's game over for them. I'm backing Aston Villa and Chelsea to win this weekend as well. So both of them teams could be at 66 points before Forest (62) kick-off at West Ham.
“I have a feeling Forest will fizzle out here. I don't think they can beat West Ham away from home. We saw Forest's owner confronting Nuno Espirito Santo after the draw against Leicester last weekend. I think the problem here is that people get carried away. Last season, Forest were 17th and now all of a sudden, they have a chance of finishing fifth or in the worst case seventh at least. That is an incredible achievement, no matter how you look at it!
“Then the owner still comes in and makes a problem out of it. Why don't you just enjoy it? Next season, if Forest finish in the top half of the table, that would still be one of their greatest achievements. It's just mind-blowing how the owner came out and confronted Nuno in my opinion. Prediction: West Ham United 1-1 Nottingham Forest.”
Chris Sutton
“This is a huge game for my boyhood side, Nottingham Forest. They need to win to keep their hopes of a top-five finish alive, but my fear is they have already blown it. I played at the City Ground many times but I think my stint there as a Sky pundit for last weekend's draw with Leicester was the first time I've watched a game there rather than been on the pitch, and it was not enjoyable viewing for us Forest fans.
“I thought that game was a must-win for Forest's Champions League hopes, and if they drop more points here they could drop out of contention completely. I've heard some people say that Forest have bottled it, but I don't agree. They have just run out of steam. Forest's aim now is to get to next weekend and still be in touch before they host Chelsea in their final game of the season, but whether that happens or not relies on which West Ham team turns up.
“The Hammers were on a poor run before they went to Old Trafford last weekend and won. That would usually be an impressive result but it is not much of an achievement at the moment. I know who I want to win but, for different reasons, it is hard to back either side here. Prediction: 1-1.”
Brentford vs Fulham
Paul Merson
“I have to go with Brentford here. Fulham have hit a bit of a brick wall here. You look at Brentford over the last few weeks and I think they have been brilliant. Four wins on the trot after back-to-back draws against Chelsea and Arsenal.
If Manchester City win the FA Cup, Brentford can play in Europe by finishing in eighth-place. I hope that happens because it would be well deserved. Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Fulham.”
Chris Sutton
“I am looking at every game this week as the one that could make or break my chances of defending my predictions title but, whatever I say here, I know I'll be wrong because I've found Fulham almost impossible to call all season. I was actually spot on with my prediction when they beat Brentford 2-1 in November, but only because Harry Wilson scored two injury-time goals.
“On form, the Bees are favourites here after winning their past four games, but Fulham have the ability to beat anyone, and they also usually do the opposite of what I think. Maybe I am best off going with a draw, because the opposite of that is still a draw. On top of that, I think everyone else will go for a home win so this could be the result that makes the difference for me - I need it to, because my title is on the line after two successive seasons where I have triumphed.
“The guests can steal my crown with another win this week but I'd like everyone to take a look at my points tally [see tables below] as proof of who the predictions king really is. Prediction: 2-2.”
Arsenal vs Newcastle United
Paul Merson
“Newcastle will be in trouble here. I don't see anything but an Arsenal win. Looking back at last week, Arsenal were 2-0 down and still got a result against Liverpool at Anfield. Considering the disappointment in the Champions League, Arsenal will want to ensure they don't give up on second-place in the table.
“If Newcastle lose this game, that puts them in a tricky position. Out of all the other teams fighting to secure Champions League football, Newcastle have the toughest match on the final day of the season in my opinion. Chelsea vs Forest is a virtual shootout, Aston Villa will face Manchester United after the Europa League final and Manchester City Fulham. Newcastle host Everton and that will be a tricky game. The only advantage Newcastle have is their goal difference compared to the others and they will be hoping not to hurt that too much against Arsenal Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle United.”
Chris Sutton
“This is a big game with second place up for grabs, and it is a bit of a grudge match too. Newcastle have beaten Arsenal three times already this season and their meetings have been quite spiky since the Magpies grabbed a controversial win over Mikel Arteta's side in 2023.
“Arsenal will be absolutely desperate to put one over them this time, but I can see this turning into a real battle and I would not be surprised if it ends up in a draw. That is a better result for the Gunners, because a point would all but guarantee them a Champions League place - their goal difference is much better than the other teams in that race - even if their fans will want more. Prediction: 1-1.”
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