Sky Sports expert Paul Merson looks ahead to this weekend's live offerings.....
Merse on Sunderland v Newcastle
Merse on Chelsea v Liverpool
Merse on West Ham v Arsenal
Sunderland v Newcastle
I wouldn't really put this down as a big derby match.
Chelsea: more joy on Sunday?
A few weeks ago I said Everton v Liverpool was probably the biggest derby in England and I don't think this game comes close. I wouldn't put it in the same league as Arsenal v Tottenham or even Aston Villa v Birmingham. Maybe it's because I live a million miles from there or maybe it's because they haven't played each other very often in recent years, but I just don't see it as a big derby match.
I think they need to put a few more lightbulbs in the West Ham scoreboard because this could be any score.
Paul Merson
Quotes of the week
12.30pm, Sat, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
Chelsea v Liverpool
1.00pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
West Ham v Arsenal
3.30pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
This is a big game for the people in the North East though. I think Joe Kinnear's done great since he's been at Newcastle and if it wasn't for him they might have been on the end of cricket scores in their last two games. He has put some steel in them and I think he's taken a lot of pressure off the players. I think that infamous press conference was quite clever and I think he knows what he's doing. He put himself on the line to protect the players and they'll respect him for that - and the way they've responded has been great.
Joey Barton is available again and I think he's served his time so why not give him another chance? He's one of their better players and they need him, but Kinnear may want to keep the team that has performed so well for him in the last two games. Even if Barton ends up on the bench on Saturday it will make them stronger. They need people who can come on and change games.
Cool for Cats
Sunderland are doing alright this season. They were bang unlucky against Fulham and I can sympathise with Roy Keane because the referee didn't have a clue in that game last week. They also did well against Arsenal in their last home game when they sat in front of them for 90 minutes, which is what they needed to do. They'll have to play a different way against Newcastle and it might be awkward for them to suddenly try to play an all-out attacking game.
So this will be a difficult game for both teams and I'm afraid I may have to sit on the fence in this one.
PAUL'S PREDICTION
Draw - This is a game that both teams will be scared to lose and I can see it being quite cagey. Newcastle have got plenty of confidence back now so I'll go for a 1-1 draw.
MERSON'S MAGIC MAN
Nicky Butt -He's got the experience for a blood-and-thunder game such as this. You need somebody to put your foot on the ball in these games and he's one of the people who can do that among all the havoc.
Chelsea v Liverpool
Chelsea have been flying along playing great football and everybody has been talking about how great they've been. Meanwhile, people have been saying this is Liverpool's year to make a title challenge. So this is a massive game, absolutely massive.
A lot of people are asking whether Liverpool struggle without Fernando Torres, but Chelsea haven't got Didier Drogba and nobody is mentioning that. For me, that shows why Liverpool won't get anywhere near Chelsea. The strength in depth Chelsea have is so much stronger and I think that will be the difference over the 38 games.
If Liverpool give Chelsea a head-start like they did against Wigan and Man City, then they haven't got a hope. They were able to come back against those two teams, but if Chelsea take the lead then it's goodnight. Premier League titles are not won by teams winning 3-2 every week so I think this will prove to be a very difficult game for Liverpool.
Keeping it tight
Saying that, we've seen a million times before that if Liverpool want to go somewhere and get a 0-0 draw then you wouldn't bet against them. With no Torres - and possibly no Robbie Keane - a point would be a great result for them at Stamford Bridge. Roma showed in midweek that you can go there and defend and while they are a good defensive team I don't think many teams are better at playing for 0-0 than Liverpool. At Aston Villa earlier this season, Torres went off injured, Liverpool decided to play for a draw and Villa didn't have a shot. However, Chelsea do have players capable of breaking them down.
They've both had a dream start to the season, but if either of them lose this and Manchester United beat Everton and win their game in hand then United will go above them. United haven't really got into their stride yet so it will be a nightmare for the team that loses - and I can't see Chelsea being that team.
PAUL'S PREDICTION
Home win - I'm leaning towards a home win because even if Liverpool sit back and play for the draw I can see Chelsea making one chance to nick it. Chelsea have got to keep moving the ball around, midfielders have got to make runs off the ball and if they do that, I can't see them not scoring. 1-0 to Chelsea.
MERSON'S MAGIC MAN
Frank Lampard - I know I always pick Frank Lampard, but in a tight game he'll keep making run after run. If somebody doesn't track him he will score and he's a big game player. He has to be the magic man again.
West Ham v Arsenal
I think they'll need to put a few more lightbulbs in the scoreboard because this could be any score.
West Ham will find themselves in a catch-22 situation in this game and it could result in them shipping a hatful of goals. Playing at home, their fans will demand entertaining football - and that will play into Arsenal's hands. The fans want to see their team playing 'the West Ham way' but if they attack, attack, attack then Arsenal will pick them off for fun. Nothing against the fans - they are some of the best around - but I don't know if the players will be able to give them what they want.
Surely Gianfranco Zola will look at this and realise they need to keep it tight, but I think the players will be put under severe pressure from their fans to play a different way. If they don't stick to their game plan then Arsenal could quite easily score four or five. West Ham have lost to Bolton and Hull and they could easily have lost the two games before that so I think we will see the gulf between these two teams on Sunday.
No Gunners guile
I watched Arsenal at Fenerbahce, who have a phenomenal record in Europe, and Arsenal wiped the floor with them. However, Fenerbahce opened the game up and if you do that then Arsenal will batter you. The game could have ended up 28-29; it was like a basketball match because every time one side got the ball it looked like they were going to score.
However, if teams defend against Arsenal like Sunderland did then they find it difficult to break them down without the likes of Alexander Hleb and Tomas Rosicky to come in off the flanks to provide some guile. The likes of Theo Walcott are over the top with sheer pace, but they haven't got enough guile about them at the moment.
So this game could quite easily be 0-0 if West ham get their tactics right, but I think it will go the other way. The only thing that worries me is that Kolo Toure and William Gallas might not play and without them Arsenal won't keep a clean sheet either.
PAUL'S PREDICTION
Away win - I can't see Arsenal not creating enough chances to score and once they get the first that will open the game up and they'll get a few more. Without their best defenders they'll also let in a couple so I'm going for 4-2 to Arsenal.
MERSON'S MAGIC MAN
Emmanuel Adebayor - He holds the ball up for the lads running off him and it's important he does that. He carries a lot for Arsenal, which some people don't see, and his strength and pace up front are vital because they're not the biggest or strongest team in the world.
Comments (25)
Ryan Campbell (Liverpool fan) says...
Once again merson you gave liverpool no chance. I read your columns becasue they make me laugh. You've seen liverpool play well most matches this season and win, yet you dont give them a chance. Hopefully you keep predicting liverpool to lose....everytime you do they win!
Posted 14:03 29th October 2008
Ed Reid (Chelsea fan) says...
Liverpool have been looking fairly consistent this term for once. Their recent trend of coming from behind to win 3-2 though has only been against mid-table and below opposition with suspect defences. They wont get away with that against Chelsea. They are letting goals in, and Chelsea will not concede easily, ESPECIALLY with Torres out - without him Liverpool just look uninspired and blunt. Even if Chelsea do lose and United win the game in hand and beat Everton, unless they score 8 golas + we will still be above them on goal difference. It won't happen though - Chelsea to win 2-0.
Posted 15:04 24th October 2008
Dominic Tyler (Liverpool fan) says...
Look Chelsea fans stop getting so cocky!!!!!! Yes you have a better bigger squad, yes you have better individual players in some areas. Personally I think Liverpool will struggle and set up playing for the draw and Chelsea will sneek the win. Lets face it Chelsea have not lost at home for ages yes it has to stop somewhere but my beloved Liverpool will not be the one to do it. Please please go and prove me wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chelsea fans humility is the virtue
Posted 14:55 24th October 2008
Jason Ndungu (Arsenal fan) says...
I agree with Paul, I think Arsenal are such an attacking force and create alot of scoring chances. One can't say the same for their defensive efforts. Looking at the last 2 premiership games Arsenal have played, the back four have been exposed to the opponent's attack. For me Denilson is a good player, but I have found him short of breaking up the attack when the other team have the ball and once he is beaten, he gives up on his run to try and recover. Definitely need someone with experience to create a balance. I am hoping Abu Diaby plays in that posision against West Ham. Go Gunners!!!!
Posted 14:47 24th October 2008
Kevin Kilkarn (Liverpool fan) says...
I'm as happy as every other Liverpool fan to see the start that they have had. But lets not get carried away. We struggled to win against Wigan at home, only managed a draw against Stoke. Sure we beat Man U when they were playing terribly, and we have shown that we can be consistent in scraping wins when draws would have done last season. However this is an on form Chelsea we will be facing. It will be the toughest game of our season, especially as we dont have Nando up front. Chelsea are cruising their games 5-0 and other cricket scores, we are fighting for every goal. However, which of the top clubs have chelsea played so far this season? They showed against Roma that against a good side they might only win 1-0. So I think that this will be a very very close game, and a single bad referee decision, or a late goal will decide it. It could go either way, but my money would be on a draw, and if given the option to take away a point before the game kicks off, I'd grab it!
Posted 14:37 24th October 2008
Andrew Robson (Newcastle United fan) says...
I'm joining the bandwagon and agreeing that Paul Merson has made an extremely poor judgement call by suggesting the Tyne-Wear derby isn't a big deal. It stomps all over the Brum derby and it's a bit hypocritical saying that because we haven't played each other much look at Birmingham they've spent more time in the championship than the mackems. To the match, I think it'll be ugly, scrappy and very nervy on both teams part. Another 2-2 draw with a goal from Barton on his return
Posted 14:36 24th October 2008
Mark Adamson (Sunderland fan) says...
Merson, You just have to go to the Stadium of Light once on Derby day to see what it means. Sunderland and Newcastle have played just as many times as Villa Birmingham over the past few years. Sunderland to win 2-1, Keane will have the players ready for this one and Sunderland are long over due a win against Newcastle.
Posted 14:25 24th October 2008
Paul G (Liverpool fan) says...
I am going to be more realistic and say that we will be very lucky to escape with a draw from the Bridge, especially if we play the same way we did in the first half against Wigan; If that happens then there could easily be a repeat of the M'Boro - Chelsea scoreline from last weekend! I would gladly take a draw but I have to agree with Merson that if Chelsea score first it's game over. I reckon that if we are going to get anything out of the game we have to score first, I don't think we have a chance of keeping a clean sheet at the Bridge and nicking a 0-0 so the best we can hope for is 1-1. My prediction though - 2-0 Chelsea
Posted 13:50 24th October 2008
Luke Phillips (Chelsea fan) says...
Liverpool fans make me laugh if football ended at 90 mins dead then liverpool would be right down there battling relegation with tottenham not only that liverpool have showed time and time again without torres they are a completely different team. i just dont think that getting a comeback against a medeocre mid-table side every week constitues for a premier league winning side whereas chelsea have beeen on outstanding form this season people are talking up liverpools "remarkable comebacks" against lower table sides whereas its the boys in blue are going out and trampling teams 4-0 5-0 they are champions winning results im going out for a 2-0 maybe 3-0 win for chelsea at stamford bridge
Posted 13:43 24th October 2008
Nick Taylor (Chelsea fan) says...
Every Liverpool fan is talking about a surprise on Sunday - the only surprise they'll get is how big their drubbing will be from a Chelsea side brimming with confidence and playing super football. There has been so much hype about Chelsea losing to Villa and Middlesbrough and look what happened there - Chelsea cruised through those tests. I fully expect at least a 3-0 home win.
Posted 13:42 24th October 2008
Lee Shotton (Sunderland fan) says...
Like everyone else is saying Merson, this derby is right up there with the biggest derbies in britian and europe. You should get yourself up to one to experience the atmosphere of this small game as there is not too many other like it!! C'MON THE SUNDERLAND!!!
Posted 13:17 24th October 2008
Steve Holmes (Liverpool fan) says...
I think the Liverpool Vs Chelsea game will very close.Dont forget we have played them 16 times in the last 4yrs or so.Chelsea would also need to be wary if Liverpool score 1st.If they do Rafa will shut the doors.Saying that those i bet Chelsea get a pen.Always do against us!!! 0-0 ALL OVER IT.
Posted 12:52 24th October 2008
Andrew Worling (Chelsea fan) says...
Reds fans are getting carried away. The win against Man United was good, and well done for that, but that might have been the worst United performance I've seen in a long time. Then the two recent 3-2 wins. Both against sides with flawed defences. Despite all Chelsea's injuries I think we should take this one, 1-0 or 2-1, but it all depends on who scores first. If Chelsea score first we should win, but if Pool get an early goal I think a 1-1 draw will be the end result. The Blues have scored in all of there Premiership games this season and have the best defensive record in the league, and lets not forget the 86 home game unbeaten run, It will take a nothing short of a magically performance to beat the mighty blues at the bridge
Posted 12:42 24th October 2008
Nick Yorke (Chelsea fan) says...
There are reasons why people aren't giving Liverpool much of a chance; - Chelsea haven't lost at home for 4 and a half years. - Chelsea have taken more points off Liverpool at home than any other team in the Premiership, not including Spurs. - Liverpool haven't scored at the Bridge in the last 4 years. - Liverpool have the worst head-to-head record of the big four teams over the last 4 years. These are all facts, and go to show why Chelsea are heavy favourites for this game, not to mention that Torres and Keane are likely to be out. I still think this will be a hard game for the blues, and wouldn't be surprised if Liverpool hold out for a draw.
Posted 12:31 24th October 2008
Roger Guthrie (Liverpool fan) says...
I think Liverpool will win and go top. This is a season of breaking the norm. We beat Man U and now we will beat Chelsea at the Bridge. We came back and won in games we would have drawn last season. We have so many players not playing nowhere near their potential as yet. So many leaders who would be captains in other teams(Keane, Torres, Carragher, Maschorano, Hypia). I am not sure about winning the prem this term but we will certainly challenge all the way. Our team is moulding with every game and being the underdogs will suit us this year and in the game against Chelsea. 1-2 to the Mighty Reds !!!!!!!
Posted 12:12 24th October 2008
Dean Cartwright (Chelsea fan) says...
I'm going into this game with 100% confidence Chelsea will tear apart Liverpool. Without Fernando Torres, what are they ? Look at our squad compared to there's. We have Lampard, O.k they have Gerrard. But, we have Ballack, Deco, and mikel. I just can't see players like Lucus giving them a hard time. We also have the best keeper in the world. The best centre back in the world and we have great strength on the wings unlike liverpool. Joe Cole, Malouda who has just hit form, Can easily break down Liverpool's Full Backs. I'm backing Chelsea to smash Liverpool out of the title race and break there confidence. 2-0 Chelsea
Posted 12:06 24th October 2008
Iain Walker (Sunderland fan) says...
Not a big derby game!!!!!!!! Come off it Merson, thats ridiculous. It is one of the most passionate derby games there is. Both teams have sets of loyal, dedicated and passionate fans and the match can compete with the merseyside derby and the old firm, just because the two teams are not "attractive" teams, dont confure that with not being an important or big match. Sunderland 2-1
Posted 12:06 24th October 2008
Anshuman Dimri (Liverpool fan) says...
Paul, You did say last time around that Manchester Utd. would make light work of Liverpool, but Liverpool apart from going a goal down in 3 minutes were camped in the Manchester half for majority of the game. I would agree with you this time, that Liverpool has more chances of loosing than winning, but having said that I think Liverpool now has enough tools to derail Chelsea. I see Liverpool playing defensive with a 5 man mid-field, and Keane (if fit) up front. The tactical front from Liverpool would largely be based on the Chelsea attrition. Hope we nick it in last 10 minutes.
Posted 12:03 24th October 2008
Dines Bathumalai (Liverpool fan) says...
Again, no one is giving Liverpool a chance. I'm not surprised at all, no one gave us a chance when we're about to meet Manchester United and maybe Everton. But to my delight, as well as millions of Reds fans all over the world, we proved those critics wrong. So come Sunday, I'm looking forward for 3 points from the Bridge, top of the table and all critics, who think Liverpool won't win this Sunday, to eat their words back. YNWA.
Posted 11:53 24th October 2008
Craig Olly (Newcastle United fan) says...
The tyne and wear derby is by far the biggest and most passionate in the premier league to date there is no better sets of supporters when it comes to supporting your team than newcastle & sunder land this one game means so much to each following. form goes out the window and its a must win for both teams and fans. manchester derby comes no were near this.... Newcastle to win 1-0 and Barton score the winner.. come on the toon..
Posted 11:47 24th October 2008
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