Paul Merson and Chris Sutton make Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham predictions as 'inconsistent' claim made

Another big weekend of Premier League football is about to kick off, with Chelsea getting the action underway on Friday night when they take on Brighton for the second time in the space of a week.

Arsenal return to action on Saturday when they face strugglers Leicester City, while Sunday sees Tottenham face another big test, taking on fellow strugglers Manchester United. Here we round up the predictions for those fixtures from SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson and BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton.

Brighton vs Chelsea

Chris Sutton

“Brighton came out on top when these two sides met in the FA Cup last weekend, and Chelsea did not offer much in attack after taking an early lead. Enzo Maresca's side just seem to be going through a flat period at the moment. They are still fourth in the table, but their performances have definitely dipped.

“The Seagulls' results have been very up and down too, and it's hard to pick a winner - so I am going to go with a draw. Prediction: 1-1.”

Paul Merson

“I was disappointed with Chelsea last weekend. They were 1-0 up against Brighton in the FA Cup and should have won that game. Instead, we saw them crumble and get knocked out in the fourth round!

“Nicolas Jackson is out injured and he will be a massive miss for them. Even though some fans are unhappy with him and have been demanding the club to sign a new striker, they will now realise how much he will be missed. I think him being injured will definitely affect Cole Palmer. The way Jackson runs off the ball, it actually helps Palmer become a better, impactful player.

“I worry for Chelsea in the race for top four now that Jackson is injured. I've always said that Christopher Nkunku is more of a no.10 and playing him at centre-forward isn't the ideal solution. Unlike Chelsea, Brighton are under no pressure here and I expect them to play the kind of good football we know they can. I'd be shocked if Chelsea win this game. I'm actually going for a repeat of what happened in the FA Cup. Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Chelsea.”

Leicester City vs Arsenal

Chris Sutton

“It seems Kai Havertz has turned into Pele in the eyes of Arsenal fans since he has been sidelined by a hamstring injury. All of a sudden Havertz is a world-beater, that they cannot cope without, when in reality he has been panned by them for his inconsistent finishing since he joined.

“But, with Gabriel Jesus already out injured for the season, Havertz's absence will give Arsenal fans an excuse if they end up not winning anything this campaign, and there will be a pile-on to ask why they did not sign another striker. The fact Gunners boss Mikel Arteta tried to get Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in January tells you that he wanted someone in.

“Now, if they don't win the league, there will be this blame game. Is it Arteta's fault, or is it on the board for not backing him? Still, even with Havertz out, and Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both injured too, I think Arsenal will have enough to beat Leicester. Leandro Trossard will probably lead their attack, although Raheem Sterling can also play up there.

“Leicester are out of the FA Cup and were walloped by Everton in their last Premier League game. This is not going to be anything like as close as their last meeting, in September. Prediction: 0-2.”

Paul Merson

“This is a good game for Arsenal even though they've been rocked by the injury to Kai Havertz. I know they are struggling when it comes to the centre-forward department, but I expect them to win here. Leicester are terrible defensively and could be put to the sword in this one!

“Raheem Sterling has to step up for Arsenal now. I know it has not gone according to plan for him, but I expect him to stand up and make his presence felt. He will get a consistent run of games due to the injuries at Arsenal and I believe he can make it count. Mikel Arteta could be like, 'here are a few games for you, go out and play with freedom', and I think that could work in favour of Sterling.

“Until Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli return from injury, it's going to be Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri in attack. That is a lot of responsibility for these players. Also, Arsenal kick off early this weekend and that is a huge boost for them. By the time Liverpool play Wolves on Sunday, Arsenal will likely be just four points behind them.

“If you look at the upcoming fixtures for Liverpool after this weekend, they face Wolves at home, Aston Villa and Manchester City away before hosting Newcastle at Anfield. Now that is a tricky run! If Arsenal keep winning and Liverpool win just one out of four remaining games in February, it's game on! Arsenal don't have a slip in them anymore, but Liverpool do and that's why I think the title race is still open.

“I don't see Leicester winning. But I will say this one thing, it's a different game for them now compared to how it was maybe six weeks ago. Ruud van Nistelrooy should tell his players to have a go at Arsenal here. Prediction: Leicester City 1-3 Arsenal.”

Man Utd vs Tottenham

Chris Sutton

“Trying to call this is a bit like a game I used to play with my kids, poker dice, where you roll five dice and it is completely random what you end up with. This is the first time I have so little idea of what to expect from both sides that I actually think I need to make two predictions, rather than one. I can guarantee you this, though. Whatever result I go for, it will end up being the opposite of what actually happens.

“Tottenham demolished Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in September but that does not really have any bearing here. Spurs are getting players back from injury and Timo Werner, James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario are among those training again, but how fit are they going to be for this game?

“Ange Postecoglou says his players are out on their feet and we could see that in their FA Cup defeat at Aston Villa, so a lot depends on how much they have left in the tank. As for Manchester United, well I've been reading reports this week that some of their players are unhappy with Ruben Amorim's style of play. There is lots going on off the pitch too, with stories that more redundancies are planned at the club, following controversy over a rise in ticket prices., external

“Who would have thought when Ineos completed their deal to take a stake in United 12 months ago that, within a year, they could possibly be as unpopular with fans as co-owners the Glazers are. In regards to Amorim, I just think he needs time. He arrived in mid-season, he has his way of playing and United will have to give him the players who fit that system, so it might take a window or two before we see him with the team he wants.

“There needs to be patience there, but we also know football fans are impatient. They want to see some improvement in the short-term, and it is hard to argue they have made any progress since Amorim took charge. I still have a sneaky feeling they might edge this game but I cannot really tell you what I am basing that on. This is a big game for Ange too, now his side are out of both domestic cups, but I am going with United, just. Prediction: 1-2 or 4-0 [only 1-2 will count as Chris's score].”

Paul Merson

“Whoever loses this game is in big trouble. I don't even know where to start because both Tottenham and Manchester United are as bad as each other! Spurs can point to their injuries, but what's United's excuse at the moment? Ruben Amorim has to change things up. I know he has been true to his philosophy but he needs to realise the players available at Old Trafford are not fit to play that way. You can't stay adamant like this at the cost of losing games! Next year, when you have the right players for your system, try it out.

“I saw him put the new kid Patrick Dorgu in an unnatural position on his debut. I mean, what is this? I'd be shocked if Manchester United win this game. I think Spurs have the better forwards and that will end up being the difference between the sides. This is Manchester United we're talking about and they should be smashing Tottenham in an ideal world. But I can't even seem them beating Palace at the moment, how can I expect them to win this game then? Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Manchester United.”