Chris Sutton and Paul Merson make West Ham, Brentford and Fulham predictions as 'lump it' claim made

Another big weekend of Premier League football is about to kick off, and we have some intriguing clashes this weekend. West Ham will be looking to get back on track against a Manchester City side that keeps getting in its own way, while Brentford take on strugglers Southampton as they look to overcome injuries to secure a win.

Elsewhere, Fulham host strugglers Ipswich Town and will be favourites to get the win. Here we round up the predictions for those games from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.

Man City vs West Ham

Chris Sutton

“Jarrod Bowen's injury is a huge blow for West Ham because he has been their best player this season. I thought the Hammers' displays were picking up, but then they got absolutely demolished by Liverpool. So, this feels like a good time for Manchester City to play them as they look to build on their win at Leicester.

“That was not a particularly pretty performance but that part does not matter for Pep Guardiola's side at the moment. It is all about taking small steps for City as they try to find some form again, so it was important for them to see Erling Haaland back on the scoresheet against the Foxes, and to keep their first clean sheet in five games. This game might be a similar story in that City will have to scrap a bit, but again I expect them to get the job done. Prediction: 2-0.”

Paul Merson

“You would have to think Manchester City's revival starts with that win against Leicester last time out. They were not at their best and Leicester did enjoy a few chances, but the three points is all that matters to them at the moment. City will not win the Premier League from here so they will focus on going the distance in the Champions League. But they must do it while ensuring they secure a top four finish and that is not as easy as it sounds!

“I firmly believe City must and will dip into the market to strengthen their squad. Will that happen in January? I'm not entirely sure because with FFP in play, you really don't know how much they can spend this month. Also, I can understand teams like Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest strengthening their squad in January because this is a once in a lifetime chance for them to finish in the top four. But with respect to City, whoever they sign now could end up being a panic buy.

“Savinho scored in the win over Leicester but I don't expect him to become a regular started at City soon. He's still young and his performances will continue to remain up and down in terms of consistency. Except for Erling Haaland, I don't see any other forward consistently nailing down a spot in the front three at City this season. Kyle Walker is struggling for form at the moment, but I still think he's one of their best defenders. Even though he has lost some of his pace, he is still quick enough to do his job. The way City play, they need to start him. This is a must-win game for Manchester City considering their upcoming games and I don't expect West Ham to cause them problems. Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 West Ham United.”

Southampton vs Brentford

Chris Sutton

“This is a tough one to call because while Southampton are adrift at the bottom and absolutely desperate for points, Brentford are not in great form either. Saints' new boss Ivan Juric has been quite feisty since his appointment, and his side have only been narrowly beaten in both his games in charge.

“It is noticeable how often Southampton like to lump it now under Juric, compared with their possession-based style of play under Russell Martin. However, while it is also clear they will put up a fight I don't see much changing for them results-wise. Brentford are a battle-hardened Premier League team, so a direct approach will not faze them, and they also have goals in their side. The Bees are yet to win on the road this season and only picked up their first away point at Brighton last time out but, this time, I see them taking all three. Prediction: 1-2.”

Paul Merson

“I think Southampton have a chance here because Brentford's record away from home is simply atrocious. To add to their awful performances on the road, Brentford have also been plagued by injuries. For a club of their size to have so many injuries, it could take a toll on them.

“Southampton will definitely have a go at their opponents and believe they can get something from this game. To put things into perspective, Brentford have won just two points on the road this season and without their performances at home, they would be battling for survival at this stage. I think this will be an open and entertaining game with plenty of goals to talk about. Prediction: Southampton 2-2 Brentford.”

Fulham vs Ipswich Town

Chris Sutton

“Well done to Ipswich. I have got to give one of my daughter's teachers, Mr Fields, another mention here after the Tractor Boys beat Chelsea on Monday for their first home win of the season. He will have had the bunting out, and the champagne too, and deservedly so. As I've said before, I like this Ipswich team. They have got a lot about them and are giving it a real go to try to stay in the Premier League.

“You cannot underestimate the importance of them getting off the mark at Portman Road, but I don't see them following it up with another success on Sunday. Fulham let me down badly by letting their lead slip late on at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, but they are usually pretty reliable at Craven Cottage. Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi form such a wonderful combination down the left for Marco Silva's side, and I think they will help them secure a narrow home win. Prediction: 1-0.”

Paul Merson

“This is a good game. Fulham thoroughly deserved their win over Chelsea on Boxing Day. Including the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in their last outing, Fulham are now unbeaten in their last seven games, which included clashes against Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. That's not a bad record by any stretch of the imagination.

“I like this game from Ipswich's perspective as well. This is a game they will definitely have a swing at, especially considering they beat Chelsea at home last time out. If they play to their strengths, Ipswich can cause problems to Fulham, who have a tendency to let goals in at the back. If they manage to keep Liam Delap fit and firing, I think they have a chance when it comes to survival.

“I'm going to back Fulham to get the win here because of their quality, but I wouldn't be surprised if Ipswich get something out of it. Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Ipswich Town.”