Paul Merson’s Premier League Predictions, Including Man Utd v Man City and Forest v Arsenal

Published: January 15, 2026 | Metro.co.uk

Paul Merson, the former Arsenal midfielder and Sky Sports pundit, delivers his bold predictions for this week's Premier League fixtures, spotlighting high-stakes clashes like Manchester United vs Manchester City and Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal. Writing in his weekly column, Merson analyzes form, injuries, and tactical battles to forecast results.

Key Predictions

• Manchester United v Manchester City: Merson tips a thrilling 2-2 draw. He highlights United's resilience at Old Trafford under new management, clashing with City's title-chasing firepower led by Erling Haaland. "City are unstoppable but United's counter-attacks will punish them," Merson writes, citing recent derby history.
• Nottingham Forest v Arsenal: Arsenal to win 3-1. Despite Forest's home grit, Merson backs Mikel Arteta's squad depth. "Arsenal's bench is Premier League best; Forest can't match it," he argues, pointing to Arsenal's 14-point lead at the top.
• Arsenal v Liverpool (midweek preview): A dominant 3-1 Gunners victory. Merson slams Liverpool's poor 2026 start with draws against Leeds and Fulham, plus Hugo Ekitike's injury doubts. "Liverpool are out of the title race if they lose here—Arsenal's B team would beat most sides," he declares, criticizing Arne Slot's tactics.[1]

Merson praises Arsenal's squad quality, predicting they widen their lead if rivals slip. He foresees upsets elsewhere: Wolves shocking Tottenham 2-1 and Leeds frustrating Chelsea to a 1-1 stalemate. On relegation fights, he backs Burnley over Everton and predicts West Ham to edge Newcastle.

Merson's Broader Insights

Comparing to pundits like Chris Sutton, Merson competes fiercely, often predicting against form books—like past calls of Liverpool losses or Palace beating Leicester. His 380-season predictions emphasize bravery on big games.[2] He warns Liverpool's champions tag means little without results, urging Slot to prove doubters wrong.

With title races heating up, Merson's tips blend nostalgia for his Arsenal days with sharp analysis. Fans can follow his full Gameweek slate on Sportskeeda for correct-score bets.

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