Paul Merson's predictions: Liverpool and Manchester United in Super Sunday action
Saturday 22 April 2017 20:19, UK
Paul Merson is back with his predictions ahead of a big Sunday in the Premier League and FA Cup...
We turn our attention to the race for the top four on Nissan Super Sunday as Burnley host Manchester United and Crystal Palace travel to Anfield.
And there's also the small matter of a Wembley semi-final in the FA Cup as Arsenal face Manchester City.
So who is Merse tipping? Read on to find out...
Burnley v Man Utd - Super Sunday, Sky Sports 1 HD, 2.15pm
This will be tough for Manchester United. We know Burnley are strong at Turf Moor and United have the added problem of playing after a Thursday night Europa League game.
They will be confident after the big win over Chelsea but that will count for little if they don't follow it up with another winning result on Super Sunday.
Burnley have not won bundles of matches at home recently but you can guarantee they will make it difficult.
I'm just edging towards United - and that would put them one point behind fourth-place Manchester City - but it won't be easy for them at all.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds 15/2)
Live Nissan Super Sunday
Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Super Sunday, Sky Sports 1 HD, 4.30pm
Palace will take the game to Liverpool and they have the weapons on the break to make this very interesting.
If they play to his strengths, Christian Benteke could be a handful and Wilfried Zaha has looked in the mood since the turn of the year.
When teams come onto them and attack, that's when Palace are dangerous and Liverpool have slipped up a few times against sides down the table.
It should be an entertaining game with plenty of goals but Liverpool's attacking firepower will just get them over the line.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-2 (Sky Bet odds 25/1)
Live Nissan Super Sunday
Arsenal v Manchester City - Sunday, 3pm
I have to go for Manchester City here. It was a stroll in the park for them at times at the Emirates and they took their eye off the ball to end up with a 2-2 draw.
I just don't see Arsenal producing a big performance at the moment, the way they have capitulated in recent weeks has been really poor.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (Sky Bet odds 12/1)
Hull v Watford - Saturday, 3pm
Watford's season is fizzling out a little bit and I expect Hull's brilliant home record to continue.
They have to win with a difficult game at Southampton next but they have been superb at the KCOM and I can see them putting three past the Hornets.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 14/1)
Swansea v Stoke - Saturday, 3pm
If Hull win, Swansea have to win too and I think they will. I don't usually go against Stoke but I watched the Potters last week and wasn't too impressed despite the result.
They scored three world-class goals but Hull were the better side for large parts of the game.
Swansea have Manchester United at home and Everton away coming up so that makes Saturday an absolutely massive match for them.
They should just about squeak past Stoke, keeping their survival hopes alive.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 8/1)
Bournemouth v Middlesbrough - Saturday, 3pm
It's looking bleak for Boro at the moment. They need to score goals but I can't see them getting enough to keep them up.
Bournemouth are strong at home and when we watch Middlesbrough chase games - like they did at Hull - they get left exposed at the back.
Steve Agnew will be targeting this match and Sunderland at home as six points but I can't bring myself to back Boro.
The Cherries have no problem scoring at the Vitality and if they get two on Saturday, can you really see Middlesbrough getting three?
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 14/1)
West Ham v Everton - Saturday, 3pm
It will be a difficult game for Ronald Koeman's side but Everton's fine form should continue in east London.
West Ham need to get a couple more points to confirm their top-flight status and I think they battle to a draw this weekend.
They are not as bad as everybody seems to be saying.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 11/2)
And we also asked Merse for his thoughts on this weekend's FA Cup semi-finals...
Chelsea v Tottenham - Saturday, 5.15pm
Looking at this match from a psychological point of view in terms of the title race, it's bigger for Chelsea than Tottenham.
If they lose this after the defeat at Manchester United, then the doubts will really start creeping in.
Tottenham have been steamrollering teams in recent weeks but they have not had a serious test since Gent and Liverpool before that.
Chelsea will want to produce a response and they should edge a close one.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 9/1)
