Chris Sutton and Paul Merson make Crystal Palace. Fulham and West Ham predictions as 'under pressure' claim made
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The Premier League continues this weekend with the final round of action before the last international break of the calendar year. Outside of London’s biggest three teams, West Ham face Everton as they look to get back on track, while Brentford take on Bournemouth.
Elsewhere, we have an all-London clash between a resurgent Crystal Palace and a solid-looking Fulham side. Ahead of those fixtures, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.
West Ham vs Everton
Paul Merson
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Hide Ad“Everton were going along nicely and then they got beat by Southampton. They aren't in trouble at the moment, but it's a lot of unnecessary drama. If Everton won, they could've gone to 12 points. Instead, they are now just four points away from the drop zone and I don't expect them to beat West Ham either.
“Julen Lopetegui is under pressure to deliver at West Ham. The problem with them is the inconsistency. They're one of them teams who could win a couple of games and then go lose a few on the trot. And when they get beat, they get capitulated, like they did last weekend against Nottingham Forest, when they were beaten 3-0!
“I always go back to this with West Ham, be careful what you wish for. David Moyes is a good manager and they won a European trophy under him. Don't forget that this was a West Ham that did nothing for many years. Sometimes people can get caught up in the total football philosophy and overlook the fact that it's always about winning games. I still doubt Lopetegui knows his best XI. However, I expect West Ham to win here. Everton could now be dragged back into the relegation battle. Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Everton.”
Chris Sutton
“West Ham are in trouble. As I said on the Monday Night Club, they don’t really have an identity under Julen Lopetegui. He has always been a pragmatic manager in my eyes but they want to be a more expansive side and he is stuck somewhere in between at the moment.
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Hide Ad“There is a lot of uncertainty around them at present, and I am certainly not convinced by them at home. They beat Manchester United there a couple of weeks ago, but they were lucky to win that one. While the Hammers are still above Everton in the table, the Toffees’ had been in better form, but then they lost at struggling Southampton last week which is a disappointing defeat whichever way you look at it.
“The only team Everton have beaten away this season is Ipswich, so I would not feel confident backing them to bounce back with a win here. I don’t want to pick another draw, but this has got one written all over it. Prediction: 2-2.”
Brentford vs Bournemouth
Paul Merson
“I couldn't believe what I was watching the other day with both teams. Bournemouth were incredible against Manchester City, they absolutely dominated the first 20 minutes. Even though they slowed down a bit after that, they still got the second goal and held on for a memorable win.
“Brentford, on the other hand, were absolutely destroyed by Fulham. They got smashed if I'm being honest. Fulham may have only got their two goals in second half stoppage time, but they dominated that game despite Brentford taking the lead. Thomas Frank's men are in desperate need of a reaction against Bournemouth now.
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Hide Ad“That performance from Bryan Mbeumo against Fulham might be a concern for Brentford. He never touched the ball in that game, he was completely anonymous on the pitch! I know he's been linked with a few top clubs, but that's not something you can afford to do if you're playing for one of the big boys in this league.
“Bournemouth lost four of their last six games, including the final three in the Premier League last season. Credit to the club for sticking with Andoni Iraola through that rough patch. They showed great faith in him and are now being rewarded. If things go to plan, they may even be safe from relegation by the end of December and that's huge when you think of where they were a year ago!
“We spoke about Mbeumo earlier and it reminded me of Antoine Semenyo. I want to see more consistency from Semenyo. He's done alright, but still a bit up and down in terms of consistency. Semenyo has talent, but if you want to play for one of the top six clubs in this division, consistency is the missing ingredient. I don't see Bournemouth losing this game and I expect a reaction from Brentford too. I'll go for an entertaining draw in this one, should be fun to watch. Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Bournemouth.”
Chris Sutton
“This is going to be a great game between two in-form teams, but how on earth do I call it? Bournemouth have just taken seven points off Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City, while Brentford have got the best home record in the Premier League this season.
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Hide Ad“I was a bit worried about the Cherries when they sold striker Dominic Solanke to Tottenham in the summer, because they had to replace his goals, but the whole team has been chipping in and they have had some special results that will live long in the memory for their fans. I'm basing this prediction on Bournemouth's recent form and confidence, but I still don't think Brentford will be beaten at home. With Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, they carry a real threat and I always expect them to score.
“The readers will go for a draw, no doubt about it... and I am doing the same. Prediction: 1-1.”
Crystal Palace vs Fulham
Paul Merson
“I was so impressed with Fulham last weekend. I though they were brilliant in that win over Brentford, a proper team. Even in that defeat to Manchester City, they were excellent. It seems as if all their signings have worked out quite well, especially the likes of Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe.
“But this is a tough time to be playing Crystal Palace in my opinion. Oliver Glasner's men are finally starting to click and come into this game on the back of a few good results. All of them key players like Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah have now found some form. I believe that Palace will be safe, they won't get relegated. But they have not lived up to the promise they showed towards the end of last season. This could be a huge win if they can beat Fulham at home, even though I doubt it will happen.
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Hide Ad“If Fulham win this you wouldn't be shocked and the same applies if Palace end up winning. That's the beauty of the Premier League, anything can happen in these games. I'm going to sit on the fence here and call a draw. Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham.”
Chris Sutton
“Palace’s form has started to pick up and they almost got their second win in a row last week - they had a 96th-minute winner disallowed against Wolves, when it should have stood - or at least as far as I could see.
“Fulham are always stronger at home, but they are a nicely balanced team and they have picked up a few points on the road too. Apologies to everyone for sitting on the fence again, but I am going for another draw. Prediction: 1-1.”
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