Paul Merson predictions for Tottenham vs Chelsea and other Premier League GW 5 fixtures

Manchester City vs Southampton

Manchester City v Barnsley: Pre-Season Friendly

I don't mean to disrespect Southampton, but it's just a matter of how many Manchester City score. Is it going to be three, four or five? Just have your pick because it's going to be one-way traffic.

The way Manchester City play is just unbelievable. Kevin De Bruyne started the UEFA Champions League encounter against RB Leipzig and could well do so again in the Premier League. If he plays, it could rain goals for the home side, but they should win regardless. For Southampton, this one will be about damage limitation.

Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Southampton

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Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

Liverpool v Chelsea - Premier League

I watched Liverpool play in the UEFA Champions League last night and they absolutely blew AC Milan away in the first 15 minutes or so. They missed a penalty in the first half and somehow went into half-time 2-1 down! Virgil van Dijk was rested and Liverpool looked a bit shaky at the back at times, but he's likely to return to the starting XI against Crystal Palace.

Against Leeds United, Liverpool could have won 7-0, but they were wasteful in attack. It just seems to me like when the game is over, their attackers just go and do their own thing. Sometimes, it's like watching grassroots football - when one team is winning 10-0, everyone wants to score!

Palace had a good result against Tottenham Hotspur, as they recorded their first win of the Premier League season. That said, I expect Liverpool to win this one rather comfortably.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Crystal Palace

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Aston Villa vs Everton

Leeds United v Everton - Premier League

Everton were not going anywhere against Burnley, but all of a sudden, Andros Townsend scored that unbelievable goal and the game turned on its head. I'm still waiting for Aston Villa to fully turn up in the Premier League, which could well be this week.

If Villa decide to show up, this could turn out to be quite the game. In terms of quality, there's not much between the two sides, so they will cause each other problems. So far, Everton have hit the ground running and Villa haven't, but I really can't split them.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Everton

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Brighton vs Leicester City

Manchester City v Leicester City - The FA Community Shield

This is another tough Premier League game to call. The Leicester City vs Manchester City game was a really good football match, I really enjoyed watching that one. Leicester caused problems that night and will do so once again this week, but I once again predict a share of spoils.

Brighton are quite wasteful in front of goal, but I expect them to put the ball into the back of the net.

Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Leicester City

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West Ham United vs Manchester United

Manchester United v Newcastle United - Premier League

if Michail Antonio was playing, I'd give West Ham every chance in this game. Unfortunately, he isn't, so I'm really not sure how they could cope without him. Manchester United are not really playing well - the results they've got so far in the Premier League have simply papered over their cracks.

They were really fortunate against Wolves and as I mentioned earlier, the game against Newcastle United was evenly matched for a while. The UEFA Champions League loss against Young Boys will serve as a kick up the backside for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and co - it should liven them up for this one.

They got a wake-up call at the right time and now they know that they will get beaten in the Premier League if they perform as poorly as they did in midweek. That said, Manchester United have looked quite solid at the back domestically and with Antonio out, they should win this one.

Prediction: West Ham United 0-1 Manchester United

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea

Chelsea FC v Zenit St. Petersburg: Group H - UEFA Champions League

I don't see anything other than a Chelsea win. As for Spurs, this has been the way for quite a while now. They get to a certain place and start playing well, but suddenly, they face a struggling side and lose rather comprehensively! Crystal Palace scored two late goals, but Spurs never looked like winning even when it was 1-0.

I watched Chelsea play against Zenit in the UEFA Champions League and Romelu Lukaku didn't have too many chances. However, he popped up to score the matchwinner with a brilliant goal and that is exactly what he brings to the team - I fancy him to score every time he plays!

The fans will be up for this one and I predict Chelsea to be too strong for Spurs on the night.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Chelsea

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