Paul Merson and Chris Sutton make Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham predictions as 'cheeky win' claim made

Another big weekend of Premier League football lies ahead, and especially for the London clubs outside of the big three. Crystal Palace welcome Liverpool as they continue their search for a first league win of the season, while Fulham test their early season form against champions Manchester City.

Elsewhere, Brentford take on a struggling Wolves side as they look to continue their solid start, and West Ham will look to put a miserable start behind them when they face Ipswich Town. Here we round up the predictions for all of those games from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool

Chris Sutton

“It is always a balancing act for clubs in the Champions League and the Premier League, but especially so for Liverpool here, away from home and with the early kick-off. For Arne Slot's side it is just about getting a win, however they do it, going into the international break.

“They got over the line against Bologna on Wednesday without being at their best and, while I expect this to be close, I do see them getting the job done against a Crystal Palace team who are in a bit of bother really. Along with Wolves, Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, the Eagles are one of five teams without a league win so far. Oliver Glasner got some great results when he took charge last season but he has got to be careful - at this rate, Roy Hodgson will be back in charge by Christmas.” Prediction: 1-2.

Paul Merson

“I watched Liverpool beat Wolves last weekend, but I didn't think they were great in that game. They got the win and that's the most important thing though. It's definitely been an unbelievable start for Arne Slot. However, barring Manchester United, all the teams they've faced so far in the Premier League have been teams expected to finish in the bottom half of the table.

“Crystal Palace are a funny team because they have a good result in them but they're just not playing well at the moment. It's not been what you'd have expected from Palace after their performances under Oliver Glasner last season.

“Ryan Gravenberch has been outstanding for Liverpool. Good coaches make players better, that's exactly what Slot has done with Gravenberch this season. He looks a far better player than he was last term. On the contrary, if you look up the road towards Manchester and you really can't find anyone who has improved as a player under Ten Hag. I would actually start Luis Diaz over Cody Gakpo in this game. Palace are not the biggest of teams in terms of height, so Gakpo's physical presence isn't really required here in my opinion. Liverpool have an abundance of good forwards at the club and so they are not short of choices.

“Mohamed Salah continued his heroics in midweek against Bologna in the Champions League. I just think it'll be a nightmare if Liverpool lose him when he's in this type of form, it's impossible to replace someone like him. All things considered, I'm backing Liverpool to win here.” Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Liverpool.

Brentford vs Wolves

Chris Sutton

“Wolves are still bottom, with only one point so far, but they have actually been playing OK - including in last week's defeat against Liverpool. Eventually it will click for Gary O’Neil's side, and maybe it will happen here, but I also think Brentford have been better than their recent results have suggested.

“The Bees have scored in the first minute of their past three league games, so Wolves need to be prepared for a fast start. Brentford did not go on to win any of those matches, but I have a feeling they will get over the line here, especially because they are at home.” Prediction: 2-1.

Paul Merson

“Wolves are really struggling at the moment. But I actually thought they did alright against Liverpool last weekend, even though they ended up losing that game. Gary O'Neill is under pressure now. Wolves have been involved in some difficult football matches, but they have played decent football albeit in patches throughout these games.

“Sometimes when you look at the season as a whole, you want to be playing the big boys early on in the season like Wolves have done this time around. It could work in their favor because it's better than facing these top teams in January, when you could be facing a whole new set of problems like injuries for example.

“Brentford are a steady team and they've made quite a habit out of scoring early in games. Bryan Mbeumo has now added goals to his game and that has made a huge difference to this team. Earlier, he used to only create chances but now he's confidently putting them away as well. I bet he'll be a wanted man in the transfer window come January or next summer. But I still reckon he'll stay at Brentford until the end of the season. I'm going to fancy Wolves in this game though. I have a strange feeling about them securing a cheeky little away win.” Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Wolves.

Man City vs Fulham

Chris Sutton

“I’ve got Fulham wrong a few times this season by underestimating them... I am still not going to back them to get anything at Etihad Stadium though. Manchester City were not quite at it against Newcastle last weekend, whether that was down to Rodri’s absence or not, and they will have to do better this time - which is what I am expecting to happen.

“Fulham have got a nice balance to them, but can they keep City out? They lost this fixture 5-1 last season with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick and, while they might suffer less damage this time, I can still only see one outcome. The big question for me is whether City keep a clean sheet. They have conceded in their past five league games, but based on the law of averages - so nothing scientific - I think that run will end here.” Prediction: 3-0

Paul Merson

“Fulham are doing quite well and are right up there with the teams chasing a European berth this season. They've obviously recruited very well with Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson already making an impact. Both of them were deemed not good enough to get into the Arsenal XI, but they're definitely making a difference at Fulham.

“We talked about the absence of Rodri and its impact on Manchester City last weekend. He's the only player who can get into any team in the world, that explains his influence. When I say this people go like, 'Oh, what about Van Dijk then?' But does Van Dijk get into the Arsenal team now? He may be a better player, but he's not getting in ahead of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the moment.

“If you're Arsenal or Liverpool, the injury to Rodri is a huge boost. This is the time for them to put pressure on City, make hay while the sun shines. If they don't take this chance, I don't know if they can win the Premier League this season. Jack Grealish must start this game for City in my opinion. One thing that people forget about him is that he works his socks off, maybe more than any other player in his position. I'm honestly not a big fan of Jeremy Doku and I'd prefer Grealish over him against Fulham.

“This is still a difficult game for City. Fulham can cause them a few problems in transition. But I just think City have enough to get over the line.” Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Fulham.

West Ham vs Ipswich Town

Chris Sutton

“This is hard. I don’t like to give credit to Ipswich if I can help it, but they have really impressed me. At this moment in time, they are a better structured team than West Ham. They showed it with the way they finished their draw with Aston Villa last week, and the only downside from the way they have started the season is the fact they don't have a win yet.

“With the quality the Hammers have got, eventually it has to click for them, but it has not happened yet. As much as I hate to predict an Ipswich defeat, I am going to stick my neck out and say the Hammers will get their act together this time. Basically, I am backing them to produce a performance that they have not managed all season under Julen Lopetegui.

“They have to really. There was so much made of him taking over from David Moyes, that he really needs a result - West Ham fans are not always the most patient bunch, and they are expecting more than they have seen so far.” Prediction: 2-0.

Paul Merson

“This is a big chance for West Ham to get the all three points they desperately need. But Ipswich did great against Aston Villa last time out. Maybe Villa had one eye on their Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich, but still it was a commendable result. Now they face West Ham, who aren't in great form but could still beat them. This is the ruthless nature of the Premier League at its best. I would be shocked if West Ham lose this game if I'm being honest. I have a feeling they'll come alive in this fixture and get that much-needed win. If you're Ipswich, this is the best time to play West Ham. However, the gulf in class is still quite evident and that could swing the tie in the Hammers' favor.

“If West Ham fail to win this game, Julen Lopetegui will come under so much pressure. International breaks are known for club owners panicking and several managers often getting sacked, so it definitely is a tricky clash. Failure to beat this newly-promoted Ipswich could also result in the fans turning their back on the manager. I'm quite sure they won't be happy with the start they've had this season.” Prediction: West Ham 3-1 Ipswich Town.