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

Another exciting weekend of action awaits in the Premier League with some big games on the docket, including a London derby between Fulham and Brentford on Monday night.

Elsewhere, West Ham continue their battle for consistency against a good-looking Nottingham Forest side away from home, and Crystal Palace go in search of their second win of the league season against Wolves at Molineux. Here we round up Paul Merson’s SportsKeeda predictions and Chris Sutton’s predictions on BBC Sport.

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham

Paul Merson

“Nottingham Forest are flying at the moment, but they're a much better team away from home. You've got to play West Ham at the right time if you need to win. They clicked the other day against Manchester United. You could say they were lucky, but they deserved to win in the end.

“If Forest win this game, they could move a lot closer to safety. They're already on 16 points and with how things have gone this season, 30 points might just be enough for teams to ensure they stay in the division. I have a feeling West Ham are still not firing on all cylinders at the moment and that's why I'm backing Forest to win this game. Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 West Ham United.”

Chris Sutton

“West Ham got a good result against Manchester United last week which will have done them a lot of good, but I still feel they were fortunate to win that game. I'm not talking about their late penalty that gave them victory, more the fact United should have been out of sight by half-time. So, am I convinced the Hammers have turned thing round under Julen Lopetegui? No, not at all.

“In contrast, Nottingham Forest are flying and I really like the way they are playing this season - they have a nice balance to their team. I was born in Nottingham and used to support Forest as a kid and, the way they are playing, I am going to go back to supporting them. You can call me a fair weather fan if you want, but I like forests – I am a big fan of Sherwood on iPlayer too – and I like woods too, especially Chris Wood. The 'Wood-chopper' is one of the most under-rated strikers of the Premier League era. I am backing him to score again, and Forest to win again. Prediction: 2-1.”

Wolves vs Crystal Palace

Paul Merson

“If you look at Wolves last weekend, that draw with Brighton did paper over the cracks. This is a must-win game for Wolves and I'm backing them to get their first three points of the season against Crystal Palace. Like I said before, the bottom six are all in action against each other and none of them can afford to lose this weekend. If the likes of Leicester, Everton and Palace win, the other three teams would be cut adrift in the race to avoid relegation.

“Oliver Glasner's men come into this game on the back of two important wins against Tottenham and Aston Villa. However, I just think they'll come up short against Wolves. Prediction: Wolves 1-0 Crystal Palace.”

Chris Sutton

“Southampton are finding out just how brutal the Premier League is, and the same applies for Wolves. Like Saints, they are winless but they have been playing pretty well and maybe Matheus Cunha's stoppage-time equaliser for them against Brighton will be the moment they turn their season around.

“I don't think Wolves will lose this game, but the question is will they win it? I worry about them conceding goals and Crystal Palace are likely to have a bit more confidence going forward after their win over Tottenham on Sunday, when Eberechi Eze played really well. So, what do I go for here? It is going to be close, but I am going to say Gary O'Neil's side will finally win, and keep a clean sheet too. Prediction: 1-0.”

Fulham vs Brentford

Paul Merson

“Big local derby this one. Brentford had a really weird game last time around when they beat Ipswich 4-3 late on. Even in the Carabao Cup during midweek, they had to go through penalties to win against Sheffield Wednesday. I'm backing Fulham to win this game.

“Fulham are a decent team, even though they had a slip up against Aston Villa recently. Brentford are letting in goals even though they score. All their matches are filled with drama and entertainment. I just think Fulham are more solid and can secure a good result this weekend. Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Brentford.”

Chris Sutton

“My first thought here was a Fulham win until I saw Brentford won this fixture 3-0 last season and, on closer inspection, they have a really good record at Craven Cottage.

“They have played 12 games there since 1990 and won six and drawn five of them, so it seems to be one of their luckier grounds. I am going to stick with my instincts, though. Fulham were unlucky not to beat Everton last week and have impressed me when I've seen them this season. I have a feeling they will get the job done this time, although it is going to be close. Prediction: 2-1.