Tuesday 29 December 2015 10:46, UK
Paul Merson predicts the final two results of the 19th round of Premier League fixtures - Leicester v Man City and Sunderland v Liverpool.
Leicester v Manchester City (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
We have to start holding our hands up regarding Leicester. The Liverpool result was a setback but they've got a great chance to put that right straight away at the King Power Stadium, where they've been superb.
If they go on to beat Manchester City, then we have to really start taking them seriously, and they would have to be second favourites for the league. I'm going for a 2-2 draw.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2 (11/1 with Sky Bet)
Sunderland v Liverpool (Wednesday, 7.45pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)
This is a very important game for both sides. It depends on what Liverpool turn up, if we get the side that beat Leicester, then Sunderland have their work cut out to get anything.
They are a bag of Revels at the moment, though. I'm going to back Sunderland to get something but I would not be surprised if Liverpool won.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
Merson's Monday predictions...
Crystal Palace v Swansea City
Palace are not the best-suited side to playing at home but backed by the Selhurst Park crowd, they should have enough to overcome a Swansea team still searching for a manager.
Alan Pardew has a very entertaining side on his hands and as they showed against Bournemouth on Saturday, they're tough to break down so I'm backing them for a comfortable victory.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (18/1 with Sky Bet)
Everton v Stoke City
Stoke are absolutely flying. What a result for them against Manchester United.
This is a hard game for Everton. They just can't seem to win back-to back football matches. I could not believe the Leicester result last weekend, but fair play to them, they bounced back with that late winner against Newcastle.
It's going to be a tight affair at Goodison Park so I'll go with a 1-1 draw.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
Norwich v Aston Villa
Norwich is not an easy place to go! Aston Villa could have been as good as down with defeat at home to West Ham on Saturday, but at least they managed to save a draw. If they had lost to the Hammers and then to Norwich that would surely have been it, but they're still alive.
You are talking about winning 10 games between now and the end of the season and not even Manchester United will do that! I can't see Remi Garde's side getting anything so I'm going for a 2-1 home win.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
Watford v Tottenham
I'm looking forward to this one. It's an excellent derby game. Watford have been brilliant so far this season and I'm expecting a tough game for the Hornets, even after a really good draw at Stamford Bridge.
It's going to be close and I think Tottenham, who are coming off an impressive win, have enough to get a point at Vicarage Road. There's not a lot between the two sides at the moment.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
West Brom v Newcastle
Newcastle will be deflated after that devastating blow at home to Everton, and West Brom do not lose too many games against the sides in and around them.
That's what I like about them and I'm backing them to sneak a 1-0 win.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Arsenal v Bournemouth
Arsenal were flying, and then they go and get beat badly by Southampton. They still won't have a better chance to win the league than this season, and with that in mind, I do not see Bournemouth getting anything at the Emirates.
Wenger will want a response from his side, and while the Gunners might concede, I think they'll win relatively comfortably.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (10/1 with Sky Bet)
Manchester United v Chelsea
It was another bad day for Manchester United on Boxing Day and with Chelsea improving, the roles have sort of been reversed.
Chelsea, now under Guus Hiddink, are rolling along and I expect that to continue at OId Trafford, although the absence of Diego Costa through suspension is a big blow. I'm going for a clear away win by two goals to nil.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
West Ham v Southampton
West Ham are slowly starting to get a few of their injured players back and that will be a big boost for them. On the other hand Southampton were on a terrible run of form until that Arsenal result. I have to go for a home win with West Ham winning 2-1, though.
It should be an entertaining game between two decent sides, but I think the Hammers will just have too much for the Saints.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (10/1 with Sky Bet)
