Paul Merson's predictions: Man Utd v Everton, Liverpool v Tottenham and Leicester v Southampton

Sky Sports' Paul Merson is back to look ahead to another round of Premier League fixtures as the title race hots up.

The top two are both in action live on Sky Sports in a weekend that could help either side move a step closer to the league crown.

Tottenham face a tough trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Saturday Night Football and defeat could open the door for Leicester to increase their lead to eight points when they face Southampton on Super Sunday.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will be looking to continue their quest for a top-four place when they take on Everton in the other live clash on Sunday, and Norwich and Newcastle face off in a crucial relegation battle on Saturday.

Merse correctly predicted six Premier League outcomes last time, and also called two perfect scores, including the Tyne-Wear derby.

TFFC Podcast

Max and Merse preview the weekend's Premier League games

Read on to see who he is backing this week...

Aston Villa v Chelsea - Saturday, 12.45pm

I don't see anything but a Chelsea win. I don't know what has happened at Villa, it's a bit of a joke to be honest. They had a two-week break and then sacked the manager three days before the next game, very strange.

He should have gone ages ago. He should have gone after the transfer window when they didn't sign anybody, but he stayed and they haven't got any better. 

PAUL PREDICTS: 0-3 (Sky Bet's odds: 9/1)

Arsenal v Watford - Saturday, 3pm

There's no pressure on Arsenal so they will win this game. They are the best team in the country when there is no pressure on them. 

They lost the big one in the quarter-final of the cup but Watford don't have much to play for and I can't see them winning at the Emirates again.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (Sky Bet's odds: 7/1)

Bournemouth v Man City - Saturday, 3pm

This should be a good game. Bournemouth were well beaten at Tottenham last time out but have been doing well otherwise recently. Man City have some hard games coming up and are fighting for their lives to get in the top four now. One minute they are trying to win the league, now they are fighting for the top four.

It's a hard game for City and I don't think they will make the top four at the end of the season. I worry about them, what a nightmare it would be if Pep Guardiola comes and they are not in the Champions League.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet's odds: 5/1)

Norwich v Newcastle - Saturday, 3pm

A massive game for both sides. Newcastle were quite lucky against Sunderland in their last game. They finished well in the final 10 minutes but Sunderland let them back into it.

Norwich had a good result at West Brom and I think they can win this and leave Newcastle in real trouble.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet's odds: 8/1)

Stoke v Swansea - Saturday, 3pm

There's not too much riding on this game. Swansea are pretty much safe and it's difficult for Stoke to push for the top four because it's not just one team they are chasing, there are a few teams with not much between them.

You are better off being seven points behind one team than six points behind three teams. I still think they will win this one at home though.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet's odds: 8/1)

Sunderland v West Brom - Saturday, 3pm

It's a must-win game for Sunderland and I think they will do it. West Brom are not the worst team on the road but they were poor against Norwich in their last game and I'm going for Sunderland to win.

It will be hard for them to get out of the bottom three so this is a big game for them.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet's odds: 15/2)

West Ham v Crystal Palace - Saturday, 3pm

West Ham are flying at the moment and Palace are on a slippery slope. I think the Hammers will win and move above Man City in the table.

Palace are seven points above the bottom three but they are not out of trouble. They just can't win at the moment and if they lose this then they will be looking nervously over their shoulders.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet's odds: 14/1)

Liverpool v Tottenham - Saturday Night Football, 5.30pm, Sky Sports 1 HD

I'm going for Spurs. They were very good against Bournemouth last time out and this is a big game that they have to win.

Some people are saying it's a must-not-lose game for Spurs, but I think they need the win with the fixtures they have coming up.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet's odds: 9/1)

Leicester v Southampton - Super Sunday, 1.30pm, Sky Sports 1 HD

This is a hard one for Leicester. In fact, I think their next three games are their hardest. People talk about their last three but if they put these three to bed they might not have to worry about the last three.

Southampton are a decent side, Shane Long will cause problems, and Leicester will have to attack. The pressure has been getting to Leicester a bit, they haven't been great lately and they have just got over the line in a few games, but if they can win the next three they would put it to bed.

PAUL PREDICTS 1-1 (Sky Bet's odds: 5/1)

Manchester United v Everton, Super Sunday, 4pm, Sky Sports 1 HD

If Man City don't win on Saturday then this is a big game for United, but it depends what Everton side turn up - they are a real bag of revels.

We are at that stage of the season where teams like West Ham and United have to win to challenge for the top four. Draws are no good, so they need to have a go for it. 

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet's odds: 15/2)

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