Paul Merson and Chris Sutton make Crystal Palace, Fulham and Man Utd predictions

The Premier League is about to gear up again for another big weekend, and we have some eye-catching fixtures this weekend, including the early meeting between title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.

Elsewhere, Fulham have a tricky home clash with a fast starting Newcastle United side, while Crystal Palace welcome Manchester United as they continue their search for a first league win. Here we round up the predictions of those fixtures from Chris Sutton on BBC Sport and Paul Merson on SportsKeeda. You can find the version of this article covering the other London clubs here.

Fulham vs Newcastle United

Chris Sutton

“I can't believe Newcastle have got as many points as they've got so far this season. They aren't even playing well and they still have 10 points from four games. Tottenham should've beat them, Southampton could've beat them, same with Bournemouth and even Wolves. All these teams could've beat Newcastle and they could've been on no points - yet somehow they still have three wins a draw.

“Sooner or later, these worrying performances will start affecting Newcastle. It wouldn't shock me if they lose to Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Magpies' luck could finally run out here.

“Emile Smith Rowe has done really well since joining Fulham. He lost his way a bit at Arsenal with all the injuries and lack of playing time. If he keeps playing regularly, he will prove to be a brilliant signing for Fulham. He's someone who chases lost causes and has got a footballing brain. All he has to do now is stay fit and he'll soon be back in the England squad.” Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Newcastle

Chris Sutton

“Fulham won nine and lost eight of their 19 home Premier League games last season, but I always fancied them to win at Craven Cottage. They should have beaten West Ham there last weekend, when they had chances to go further ahead before Danny Ings' 95th-minute equaliser for the Hammers.

“Newcastle are still a bit of an unknown quantity for me because I can't say I've been particularly impressed by them so far. Eventually, Eddie Howe's side are going to come a cropper, but at the moment they are finding a way to win games, even if they are relying on moments of brilliance by individual players rather than playing well as a team. They are the side who are tricky to predict here because I was spot on with a 1-1 draw for Fulham last week. So, I am going for the same outcome... even though I fancy them to win this one more than I do Newcastle.” Prediction: 1-1

Crystal Palace vs Manchester United

Paul Merson

“We all know what happened in this fixture last year, don't we? But that's all in the past. Manchester United were really good the other day against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. When Liverpool destroyed United, Barnsley players would've been excited thinking, 'they are really bad.' But the win showed the real gulf in class between the sides. It was a huge confidence boost for Manchester United.

“Crystal Palace really need to start winning games now. I think this will be an entertaining game. There will definitely be goals in this one. If Manchester United win, they can pat themselves on the back because that would be a great result. I'm going for a high-scoring draw though.

“I hope Marcus Rashford is back to his best now. He played well against Barnsley. Rashford will either score goals or he will be absolutely terrible, there's no in between for him. I have a feeling he'll score against Palace. Manchester United will definitely have a go at the Eagles and it will be a very open game. But I'm sticking to the draw because Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta will cause United some problems.” Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester United.

Chris Sutton

“Crystal Palace pumped Manchester United 4-0 in May, but since then they have sold Michael Olise, who scored twice in that game and makes goals as well as scores them. Eagles boss Oliver Glasner made a huge impact when he came in last season but, so far, this campaign has not been plain sailing for him.

“Glasner wants to play an attacking brand of football but I feel like that will suit Manchester United, and that Erik ten Hag's side can hurt Palace the same way they hurt Southampton last week. It was a big moment in the game when Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer's penalty but, after that, United were pretty good, with Marcus Rashford looking lively.

“My first instinct was that this would end in a draw but I am actually going to go with United to win it. I am still not sure about Ten Hag but I just have a sense they might be heading in the right direction, and Palace have not got going yet.” SuPrediction: 1-2.