Merson Backs Arsenal to Edge Toffees in Title Push

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has delivered his latest round of Premier League predictions, tipping Mikel Arteta’s side to maintain their slender lead at the top of the table as the festive season hits its stride. With the Gunners currently sitting two points clear of Manchester City, Merson believes a gritty 2–1 victory at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium is on the cards, though he warns that the Toffees remain a persistent threat on their own turf despite a recent slide in form.

The weekend’s action kicks off with a high-stakes encounter at St. James’ Park, where Merson expects a 1–1 stalemate between Newcastle United and Chelsea. The Magpies enter the clash seeking redemption after a painful derby loss to Sunderland, while Enzo Maresca’s fourth-placed Chelsea are looking to cement their Champions League credentials. According to Merson, both sides possess enough attacking quality to cancel each other out in what promises to be a physical lunchtime battle on Tyneside.

Manchester City, breathing down Arsenal’s neck, are tipped to secure a comfortable 3–1 win over West Ham United at the Etihad. Merson suggests that while the Hammers often find the net under Nuno Espírito Santo, they lack the defensive discipline required to contain Erling Haaland and a City side that has already racked up 38 goals this season. A win for the Citizens would keep the pressure firmly on the North London leaders ahead of their late-Saturday kickoff.

Sunday’s headline fixture sees a rejuvenated Aston Villa host Manchester United in Birmingham. Unai Emery’s side has been the division’s surprise package, currently occupying third place and riding a formidable home winning streak. Merson is backing the “Villa Park factor” to play a decisive role, predicting a 3–1 triumph for the hosts. He noted that Ruben Amorim’s United squad, currently battling a “sense of entitlement” and missing key figures like Casemiro, may struggle to handle Villa’s high-intensity transition play.

The pundit also highlighted Liverpool’s trip to Tottenham as a potential goal-fest, predicting a 3–1 victory for the Reds. Despite Spurs’ home advantage, Merson believes Liverpool’s clinical edge will overcome a Tottenham defense that has struggled for consistency under Thomas Frank. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Merson expects a vital 2–0 win for Leeds United over Crystal Palace, a result that could prove pivotal in the fight to escape the relegation zone.

Other notable predictions from the former England international include a 3–1 win for Bournemouth over struggling Burnley and a 2–2 draw in the mid-table clash between Fulham and Nottingham Forest. As the league enters this relentless winter stretch, Merson’s forecasts suggest a weekend where the elite clubs will be tested by the league’s unpredictability, yet the status quo at the summit is likely to remain intact.