Chris Sutton and Paul Merson make Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham predictions as 'problems' claim made

We have some big Premier League clashes this weekend, including a couple of London derbies, and they include Fulham’s home clash with Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage. Fulham will be looking to apply pressure to the European spots over the coming weeks, while Palace will want to bounce back from a defeat to Everton.

Before then, Brentford kick off the weekend’s Premier League action, taking on strugglers Leicester City away from home. Ahead of those games, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.

Leicester City vs Brentford

Chris Sutton

Leicester have not won at home in the Premier League since 3 December, when they beat West Ham in Ruud van Nistelrooy's first game in charge, and they have lost their past five league games at King Power Stadium. So, it would be massive for the Foxes if they can get anything at all here to help in their relegation fight, but I just don't see them keeping Brentford out.

“Van Nistelrooy had just been appointed but was watching in the stands when the Bees hammered Leicester 4-1 earlier in the season and I am expecting their creativity and attacking energy to be too much for his side this time, too. Prediction: 1-2.”

Paul Merson

“This is a must win game for Leicester. They haven't scored a goal in each of their last five home games in the Premier League! The funny thing is that they often look good while going forward but they can't find the back of the net. Eventually, they run out of ideas and the confidence just goes away, allowing their opponents to take control.

“This is the wrong time for Leicester to play Brentford at their own backyard. Few weeks ago, Brentford were struggling to secure a win on the road. But now they have three straight wins away from home. I always say that it's all about timing in football and the fact that Brentford are on a good run makes them favourites here. Leicester are in serious trouble if they lose again and I don't expect this game to be kind on them. Prediction: Leicester City 0-2 Brentford.”

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Chris Sutton

“I find both these teams impossible to predict so, let's face it, anything could happen here. Crystal Palace lost to Everton last week but actually played pretty well.

“I talked about how Fulham have struggled at home recently but then they went and beat Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage. My instinct tells me to go for a draw but I actually think Fulham will make it back-to-back home wins - so Palace will probably end up taking the points. Prediction: 2-1.”

Paul Merson

“I was shocked by the Crystal Palace defeat the other day against Everton. I'm afraid it doesn't get any better for them now because they're up against Fulham. Marco Silva has done a great job at Fulham and I expect their home advantage to count in this fixture. Fulham caused a lot of problems to Nottingham Forest during their 2-1 win last weekend. With all due respect to Palace, Forest are obviously a better team and that tells you something. Even against Manchester United, I don't think Fulham deserved to lose that game.

“If Fulham get maximum points from this game, they will be just two points behind Manchester City, who are in action against Liverpool! I have a feeling that Fulham can push for a place in Europe next season. They have the firepower to do it and we can always expect them to be among the goals. Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Crystal Palace.”

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