Chris Sutton and Paul Merson make Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham predictions as 'something not right' claim made

Another round of Premier League fixtures is underway, with the clock now counting down to the end of the season. Fulham and Chelsea arguable share the game of the weekend, with the derby having ramifications for both teams, with the Cottagers hunting down a Conference League spot and Chelsea hoping to land a Champions League place, needing to finish in the top four.

Elsewhere, Arsenal will be looking to keep up their momentum from their Champions League win against relegation-bound Ipswich Town, and Tottenham have to wait until Monday night to return to action, taking on Champions League hopefuls Nottingham Forest. Ahead of all those fixtures, we have rounded up the predictions from SportsKeeda‘s Paul Merson and BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton.

Ipswich Town vs Arsenal

Paul Merson

“I always say it's all about timing in football. Arsenal have just played that game against Real Madrid, already cemented their place in the top five and have nothing to play for in this game. So you would have to think this is a good time for Ipswich to be playing them, especially after they got a point off Chelsea last weekend.

“I think Arsenal should just try to get maximum points from their remaining games even if they can't win the Premier League title anymore. If they beat Ipswich here and then win against Crystal Palace, they can go into that PSG game with some serious confidence. Arsenal will rest a few players for this game, but I still think they will have too much for Ipswich to handle. I'd definitely play the likes of Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri in this game. Comfortable win for the Gunners in my opinion. Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-3 Arsenal.”

Chris Sutton

“Arsenal will be on such a high after their Champions League win over Real Madrid. I am covering this game and while Arteta will probably rest a few players and freshen things up, the Gunners will still have too much nous for Ipswich. It probably summed up Ipswich's season that they went 2-0 up against Chelsea last time out and could not see out the win, but they deserve credit for giving it a good go.

“Ipswich were pretty stubborn when they lost 1-0 at Emirates Stadium in December and I am expecting them to show some resilience this time too, even if they end up with the same result. Prediction: 0-2.”

Fulham vs Chelsea

Paul Merson

“Wow, I ain't sure about this game. Teams like Fulham and Brighton, they get to place and then crumble. If you look at Fulham specificially, they beat Tottenham, lost to Palace in the FA Cup, then lost to Arsenal, followed that up with a brilliant 3-2 win over Liverpool before losing to Bournemouth last weekend!

“Shocking result for Chelsea last weekend in my opinion. They should have beat Ipswich but failed to do it. If they play like this, I don't think they will finish inside the top five. Chelsea need at least seven points in their next three games against Fulham, Everton and Liverpool respectively. How are they going to do it? I don't know.

“This is a must-win game for Chelsea. Other teams are finding a way to stop Cole Palmer now. Honestly, I don't know why it took everybody so long to do that! The bottom line is that Chelsea are struggling and Palmer needs to find a way to turn it around this weekend. If not, I think they are in big trouble. Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Chelsea.”

Chris Sutton

“There is something not right at Chelsea. They drew at home to Ipswich last week, for example. I laughed when I saw my guest, Yizzy, had put the Tractor Boys down to get a point but that ended up being the result that killed me. From what boss Enzo Maresca has said since then, by asking the fans to trust him and saying the players are affected by the crowd, everyone seems to be feeling the pressure.

“He was questioning the fans, but also his players' temperament. If you think about how many millions have been spent on that squad, then if they don't have the strength of character to play the way their manager wants, then heaven help them in the long run. This is probably going to be another score draw but I seem to get Fulham wrong whatever I say.

“They deserved to get something from their defeat at Bournemouth on Monday, and I am going with them to get a repeat of their win at Stamford Bridge in December. Prediction: 2-1.”

Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest

Paul Merson

“It all comes down to how Tottenham perform in the Europa League game against Frankfurt. I know I've said this way too many times, but that is just the simple reality! If Spurs get beat and are knocked out of the Europa League, the atmosphere in north London on Monday will be toxic. On the other hand, if they win, it won't exactly be a party, but still a positive feeling.

“That atmosphere could decide how this game will play out. Nottingham Forest are struggling a bit at the moment. I don't think they were good in their last two defeats against Everton and Aston Villa. There's an interesting statistic I wanted to share - In their last seven games away from home, Forest have just one win inside 90 minutes and that came against Ipswich!

“I just hope Forest don't melt away from here on because they've had an incredible season. I strongly believe that they deserve to play in Europe. Forest also have their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City coming up later this month. Admit it, we all want them to do be rewarded for what has been nothing short of a spectacular campaign. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Nottingham Forest.”

Chris Sutton

“Tottenham getting past Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League to reach the semi-finals means their stadium will be absolutely buzzing with relief and jubilation. But Nottingham Forest are the counter-attack kings and they have the tools to get another win like the one they got over Spurs at the City Ground in December, where they had 30% of possession and still won 1-0.

“Forest have hit a bit of a blip of late, though, and they don't appear to be quite the same force they were a few weeks ago. They are desperate for a win to get their top-five bid back on track and Nuno Espirito Santo's would love to get it on his return to Tottenham, where he did not last long as manager, but a draw feels more likely to me. Prediction: 1-1.”

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