Chris Sutton and Paul Merson predicts Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham clashes
Another big weekend of Premier League action is about to get underway, with Crystal Palace heading into this weekend as the only London club still without a win, and they are one of six Premier League sides still looking for that elusive first victory.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThey go up against an Everton side that also finds itself in that category, while Fulham, Brentford and West Ham will be looking to add to their respective win tallies. Here we round up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.
Brentford vs West Ham
Chris Sutton
“Julen Lopetegui needs a result and he needs a performance, the West Ham way...whatever that is under him. Their fans wanted a change, and they got the change... and I think they have expected a much better start than the one they have got.
“On top of the result, what was worrying about last week's home defeat by Chelsea was how vulnerable the Hammers looked defensively. If they were solid at the back it would give them something to build on until they click up front, but there was not much to build on there. West Ham were miles off in that game, and ended up well beaten by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night too. The Reds were very fortunate with how they scored their first goal, but it feels like everything is going against Lopetegui at the moment.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Brentford are always superbly organised and carry a goal threat. They went ahead against Manchester City and Tottenham in their past two league games and although they ended up losing both, they ran Spurs very close and gave City plenty to think about too. Even without the injured Yoane Wissa, the Bees are a well-balanced team - and probably not the kind of opposition that West Ham need or want right now.” Prediction: 2-1.
Paul Merson
“I tell you what, West Ham are in big trouble! I always say be careful of what you wish for. They got rid of David Moyes after he won them a European trophy and now the new manager is struggling. They're up against Brentford next and I'd be shocked if they don't lose this game. I don't see a lot between these teams on paper, but the way they're playing at the moment, there's certainly a huge gap.
“Julen Lopetegui has to get a positive result in the next few games. West Ham fans won't be happy with what they've seen so far this season. In terms of the talent they have in that team, it's one of their best sides ever. But they are not gelling together on the pitch and the manager still hasn't figured out his best XI. Everyone will expect West Ham to turn up and win, so this is a really difficult game for them due to the added pressure and worrying form.” Prediction: 1-0
Everton vs Crystal Palace
Chris Sutton
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Crystal Palace are a very capable side on their day, but they have not been playing well enough recently. Everton boss Sean Dyche definitely needs a good result, and I am slightly worried about the atmosphere at Goodison Park if it turns ugly for whatever reason, and how the players handle that.
“I keep going for Everton home wins, and being wrong, so I am not making that mistake again. They keep taking the lead but it feels like they need to get Jarrad Branthwaite fit again if they are going to hold out. I actually fancy Everton here but without Branthwaite at the back I am not so sure they have got a clean sheet in them and, on that basis, I am going to say Palace will get a point.” Prediction: 1-1
Paul Merson
“This is a hard game to pick. I don't think there's a million things wrong with Everton. They were 2-0 up against Bournemouth before losing it 3-2, scored twice against Aston Villa, who are the main contenders for a fourth-placed finish, missed a chance to make it 3-1 in that game and should have made it 3-3 instead of losing 3-2 in the end. They have played well in patches, obviously very unlucky as well.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Everton should be winning this game at home to Crystal Palace. These are the fixtures that will define their season. If you look away from the results and look at performances, I think Everton deserve slightly better and I'm backing them to win here. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has to stay fit to boost their chances this season. He missed a couple of good chances against Villa, but at least he got into them right positions. If he's fit, Everton won't get relegated.
“Crystal Palace will score in this game due to their potent attack led by Eberechi Eze, but I think their wait for a Premier League win this season will continue.” Prediction: 2-1.
Nottingham Forest vs Fulham
Chris Sutton
“I like Fulham at home, but I am not so sure I like them as much away. Nottingham Forest will miss the suspended Morgan Gibbs-White, which is a bit of a blow for them. This is going to be a good game, but it has draw written all over it.” Prediction: 1-1.
Paul Merson
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“This is a good game. Forest are flying, aren't they? With every game, you'd think this would be the one they lose, but they just keep getting results. I don't expect Fulham to get beaten though, I actually fancy them as a side. Emile Smith Rowe is showing his class since joining Fulham. Just like him, even Reiss Nelson, who scored last weekend, could not get into the Arsenal team. It feels like they're on a path to revive their careers.
“Fulham are one of those teams in the league who can upset the big boys in my opinion. But I still think they'd only get a draw here. This would mean that Forest will continue to remain unbeaten, but they must be careful of not picking up too many draws. If you're on an unbeaten streak with five draws, it's no good. You'd be in trouble the moment you suffer that first defeat.
“For me, this is game Forest should really be looking to win since they're playing at home. But they will still be happy with a point, not a bad start for them.” Prediction: 2-2.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.