Guehi had an eventful end to the windowplaceholder image
Guehi had an eventful end to the window | Getty Images
The pundit predictions for Crystal Palace’s clash with Sunderland and Fulham’s date with Leeds United.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland
Paul Merson
“Sunderland have been amazing. I didn't see them beating Brentford after conceding first, but what an incredible turnaround! I must admit they were a bit fortunate though. If Brentford scored that penalty, it would have been a different game. But Sunderland deserve credit for being strong at home and getting two wins so far.
“Now they go to Crystal Palace, which is a tough place to visit. I actually think Palace are really underrated. On their day, they can trouble any team in this division. If you get six points off them in a season, you have done a terrific job!
“I don't think the failed transfer to Liverpool on deadline day will have a huge impact on Marc Guehi's performances. He has been a true professional in terms of how he has behaved in recent weeks. I think it's unfair that people who complained like Alexander Isak got the move, while Guehi did not. But I don't think he will ruin his image by behaving in the wrong way now.
“Sunderland have been brilliant, but Palace are way better than what people think and they will get the three points here. Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Sunderland.”
Chris Sutton
“It was huge for Crystal Palace to keep hold of defender Marc Guehi, despite Liverpool's efforts to sign him on deadline day. Fair play to Guehi for the way he conducted himself through that transfer saga - I have a lot of admiration for him.
“I should have gone with the Eagles to beat Aston Villa last time out because of their recent results against Unai Emery's side - they played them four times last season, winning three and drawing the other. I am not going to make the same mistake this time. Palace are missing the injured Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr but their boss Oliver Glasner has a knack of making his side extremely effective no matter who is missing.
“Sunderland have done brilliantly to win their first two home games and I can see them making this quite tight, but I think they will have to wait a bit longer for their first point on the road. Prediction: 1-0.”
Fulham vs Leeds United
Paul Merson
“I have been impressed with Leeds, in fact, all the newly-promoted teams have done better than what I initially thought. Like Sunderland, I think Leeds should look to make their home ground a fortress. Elland Road can be an intimidating place to go to when things are going right for Leeds.
“But I have a feeling they will struggle on the road. We saw that against Arsenal at the Emirates, where Leeds looked alright for the first 20 odd minutes. As soon as they conceded the opening goal, they started to crumble.
“Fulham have established themselves as a seasoned Premier League team now. They were bang unlucky against Chelsea. The VAR was bordering on scandalous in that game. It looked like that decision was made by someone who has not got a clue about football, and I'm saying this as a Chelsea fan! I have to go with Fulham here. I think they will be solid and keep a clean sheet at home. Prediction: Fulham 2-0 Leeds United.”
Chris Sutton
“For once, I am very confident I will get this prediction right. Leeds might fancy their chances at Craven Cottage but you only have to look at their respective squads to see the difference in quality between the two sides, player for player, including on the bench.
“Fulham did not have much luck with the decisions that went against them in their defeat by Chelsea last time out, but they were able to bring on Adama Traore, Emile Smith-Rowe, Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson as they chased that game.
“Leeds just don't have that kind of depth and they were well beaten on their last trip to London, a 5-0 defeat at Arsenal a couple of weeks ago. This will be closer, but with the same end result. Prediction: 2-0.”
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