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Paul Merson's Premier League predictions - Week 27

Merse expects wins for Villa, Southampton, Hull and West Brom

The Palace players are angered by what they perceive as diving, and Danny Gabbidon engages in a heated exchange with Evra
Image: Crystal Palace v Manchester United: Merson predicts a draw

Norwich v Tottenham (3.30pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1)

Arsenal v Sunderland

Arsenal were bang unlucky against Bayern Munich. They had them on the rack in the first-half and if Mesut Ozil had scored his penalty then it could have been a different game. This is now an important game because the top four is getting very tight. Three weeks ago we were talking about them winning the league, but if they don't win this game they may struggle to get in the top four. A win here will see the title race back on again and I think they will win. Remember, Sunderland are in the Capital One Cup Final next week, something that doesn't come along too often for those players, so I'd be shocked if Wembley wasn't in the back of their minds. PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

Cardiff v Hull

I really think Cardiff are struggling. They look a bit lost and I always thought this was a big job for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to come from Molde (where he did brilliantly) and come straight into a relegation battle. That's hard for any manager. I like Hull and I think their two forwards are a real handful, so I expect them to win this game. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2

Man City v Stoke

Man City need to win this game, but I don't think it will be a massive scoreline like we've seen from them a few times at home this season. The games are catching up on them and the loss to Barcelona will have knocked their confidence. I still think they will win the game though; Stoke are doing fine, but I expect City to do enough. It won't be 6-0 or 7-0 but I think they will recover from the disappointment of Tuesday night. PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

West Brom v Fulham

I don't get what Fulham are doing. Rene Meulensteen was appointed and bought a player for £12million and yet they sacked him before Kostas Mitroglou has even kicked a ball. They have brought in Felix Magath, who has never managed in the Premier League before and that's a risk. Back in the day you could bring in someone like Dave Bassett who had been there, done it before and could get you out of trouble - but Magath isn't going to get time with his players. West Brom have a chance to really pull away from Fulham by winning this game. I worry for them, but if they could pick any game to play this weekend then Fulham at home would be it. PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

West Ham v Southampton

I don't know what Southampton were doing in the FA Cup last week, I really don't. They are the only team in the country (apart from maybe Newcastle), who aren't going to get into Europe or get relegated, so they could have thrown everything at the FA Cup. So why did they rest players against Sunderland? Is the manager on a bonus for finishing as high as possible up the league? It's beyond me - and I bet the players are wondering what's going on. However, I think they will win this game because they can beat anyone on their day. West Ham are in form and have won some big games lately, but I think they might just take their eye off the ball. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2

Chelsea v Everton

Chelsea will feel hard-done-by having such a tough game this week. Man City and Arsenal both played in the Champions League in midweek and Jose Mourinho would have thought this was a good weekend to capitalise, but they've both got easier games than this. Chelsea can't afford to make changes ahead of the trip to Galatasaray because the most important thing is still the Premier League in my opinion and they need to play their strongest side. I still think they will win though - and it's important they win because it's the early game. It will be tight though. PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 Think you know better than Merse? Prove it with our Super 6 game and win £250,000

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