Last Updated on 26/02/2026 by Andy Clark
Paul Merson’s Predictions
Get Paul Merson’s predictions for today’s Premier League matches and this weekend’s fixtures, including a correct score prediction for each game.
Merson used to give his weekend football predictions to a Sky Sports column, but now he is back with a new column and each weekend, you will be able to read all of Paul Merson’s predictions for a correct score in each Premier League fixture.
Paul Merson is a former Premier League midfielder and current Sky Sports pundit who writes weekly prediction columns and regularly appears on Sky Sports. His media roles give him insight into team form and tactical trends, though predictions should be considered one of several data points before betting.
He is one of the best-known football pundits and still appears on Sky Sports every weekend, so what are Merson’s score predictions for the next round of Premier League matches? Find out below.
This Week’s Premier League Predictions by Paul Merson
| Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Wolves vs Aston Villa | 0-2 |
| Bournemouth vs Sunderland | 2-0 |
| Burnley vs Brentford | 1-3 |
| Liverpool vs West Ham | 3-1 |
| Newcastle vs Everton | 2-1 |
| Leeds vs Man City | 1-1 |
| Brighton vs Nottm Forest | 2-0 |
| Fulham vs Tottenham | 2-1 |
| Man United vs Crystal Palace | 3-0 |
| Arsenal vs Chelsea | 1-0 |
What Paul Merson Said About His Weekend Predictions
Wolves vs Aston Villa – Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Aston Villa
Paul Merson believes Aston Villa simply have to win this game to stay firmly in control of the Champions League race. With Manchester United and Chelsea chasing, Villa cannot afford slip-ups. He argues that a victory here could effectively end Chelsea’s hopes of catching them, given the potential points gap and tough fixtures ahead. While Wolves have shown flashes of quality, they lack consistency and winning form. Ignoring their standout result against Arsenal, Merson does not see them troubling Villa. He expects a controlled, professional away performance ending in a 2-0 win.
Bournemouth vs Sunderland – Prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland
Merson thinks Sunderland are experiencing a difficult run despite their strong early-season work keeping them safe. Their recent loss to Fulham will have dented confidence, even if performances haven’t been terrible. Bournemouth, meanwhile, appear to be improving at the right time and regaining momentum. At home, with belief returning, Merson gives them the advantage. Sunderland’s recent opponents have been in excellent form, and Bournemouth now fit that description too. For Merson, that points clearly toward a solid home performance and a comfortable 2-0 victory for Bournemouth.
Liverpool vs West Ham – Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
Merson expects Liverpool to respond strongly after what he described as an atrocious display against Nottingham Forest. While West Ham are fighting relegation and showing resilience, he does not think this is the week they pull off a surprise result. Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions mean experience will take priority over youth in selection. Although West Ham have improved recently, Merson believes Anfield is too difficult a task. He predicts Liverpool will raise their levels, control the game and secure an important 3-1 win.
Newcastle vs Everton – Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Everton
Merson sees both teams as mid-table sides unlikely to reach Europe. He felt Newcastle were unlucky against Manchester City and need to build consistency after a stop-start season. Tactical concerns remain, especially playing Nick Woltemade out of position, which he thinks slows their counter-attacking threat. Injuries have also disrupted rhythm. Despite this, home advantage is key. Everton remain competitive, but Merson believes Newcastle’s attacking quality at St James’ Park will make the difference. He forecasts a tight contest but ultimately a 2-1 win for the hosts.
Burnley vs Brentford – Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Brentford
Merson is confident Brentford will bounce back from their loss to Brighton with a convincing performance. While Burnley did well to draw with Chelsea, he expects them to struggle badly here. Brentford have impressed this season and are pushing toward European places, though Merson notes the pressure that comes with that ambition. He believes their quality in attack and overall consistency should overwhelm Burnley. Expecting Brentford to respond positively and dominate key areas, Merson predicts a comfortable 3-1 away victory.
Leeds vs Manchester City – Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Manchester City
Merson calls this a defining weekend and surprisingly backs a draw. Leeds impressed him against Aston Villa and have consistently troubled stronger opponents this season. He believes they will cause Manchester City problems again, particularly as City have not always looked convincing even in victory. Merson points out that City sometimes fail to kill games off, allowing teams to stay in contention. While acknowledging it feels bold, he predicts Leeds’ energy and home support will earn them a valuable 1-1 draw.
Brighton vs Nottingham Forest – Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Merson was impressed by Forest’s display against Liverpool but worries about the psychological impact of failing to win despite dominating. He believes when a team plays that well and does not take their chances, it can become damaging. Forest may yet produce a surprise result in their survival fight, but Merson feels Brighton’s win at Brentford gives them crucial momentum. With confidence high and home advantage on their side, he expects Brighton to capitalise and secure a 2-0 victory.
Fulham vs Tottenham – Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Tottenham
Merson is extremely concerned about Tottenham’s current situation, suggesting they are fully involved in the relegation scrap. Despite their quality and stadium stature, confidence appears fragile. While their fixtures offer hope, he does not see them turning things around here. Fulham, playing without pressure, are mentally stronger and better organised. In a high-pressure London derby, Merson expects Spurs’ struggles to continue. He predicts Fulham will take advantage of Tottenham’s vulnerability and secure a 2-1 home win.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace – Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace
Merson expects Manchester United to continue their strong run of results, even if performances have not always been convincing. He highlights how both United and Palace look completely different compared to six months ago, but momentum favours the home side. Playing once a week gives United a physical and tactical advantage. Palace are no longer as formidable as earlier in the season. With confidence growing and results stacking up, Merson predicts United will deliver a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Arsenal vs Chelsea – Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
Merson views this as a massive encounter with serious consequences for both teams. He believes Chelsea must attack but doubts their ability to keep a clean sheet, citing their defensive inconsistencies. Arsenal, strong at home, understands the importance of winning to maintain control of their campaign. He suggests Eberechi Eze should start following recent form and expects a tight, tense contest. Ultimately, Merson believes Arsenal’s organisation and home strength will prove decisive in a narrow 1-0 win.
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Thatsagoal Expert Takes goes Head to Head with Paul Merson’s Predictions
Each week, our thatsagoal football expert will make their own predictions for the Premier League matches and you can compare them to Paul Merson’s predictions. Who will get more correct score predictions correct? The thatsagoal expert or Paul Merson?
| Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Wolves vs Aston Villa | 1-2 |
| Bournemouth vs Sunderland | 2-1 |
| Burnley vs Brentford | 0-2 |
| Liverpool vs West Ham | 3-1 |
| Newcastle vs Everton | 2-1 |
| Leeds vs Man City | 2-3 |
| Brighton vs Nottm Forest | 1-1 |
| Fulham vs Tottenham | 1-0 |
| Man United vs Crystal Palace | 2-0 |
| Arsenal vs Chelsea | 2-0 |
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Who is Paul Merson?
Paul Merson was one of the best footballers of his generation and is best known for his time at Arsenal, where his magic feet and fantastic ability earned him the nickname ‘The Magic Man’. Merson has had his troubles off the pitch before with drugs, drink and gambling addiction, but his infectious personality makes him one of the most loved former Premier League players and now football pundits there is.
Merson makes his match predictions every weekend for online websites and newspapers and we will put them together on this page and see how well he gets on.
He played for Arsenal 423 times and scored 99 goals in all competitions. His transfer to Middlesbrough for £5,000,000 was a record fee back then and he also picked up 21 caps for England.
After a tilt at management with Walsall, Merson is now a full-time football pundit predicting the results of Premier League matches on Soccer Saturday and online.
Is Paul Merson a good Pundit?
Paul Merson certainly has his moments where you think he is a terrible pundit and some of his views seem wide of the mark; however, he is much loved and is a great asset to Soccer Saturday for his quick wit and banter. His predictions sometimes do well but it is always worth looking across the other pundits predictions as well where you will see the likes of Lawro and David Prutton giving their thoughts on the weekend football.
Is Paul Merson the best Football Pundit?
Paul Merson is very much a marmite pundit and football fans seem to love or hate him. His weekend EPL predictions are always very popular and he is not afraid to put his neck on the line – famously saying Kevin De Bruyne was a waste of money, for example. Now producing weekly correct score predictions for the Premier League alongside his Sky Sports work, Merson always splits opinion.
More Pundits Predictions
More pundits make predictions for the Premier League each weekend, and you can see the links to them below. We like Lawro and Chris Sutton, and you will see their weekly scores on our football pundits’ predictions page. This will be alongside our own score predictions for the weekend matches, where you can compare our predictions vs the likes of Paul Merson, Chris Sutton and Jones Knows from Sky Sports’ website.
Lawro’s predictions for this weekend.
David Prutton’s Championship predictions.
Chris Sutton’s BBC predictions for the Premier League.
More from Thatsagoal in February
As well as our Premier League predictions for all the upcoming fixtures, we also have you covered for bet builder tips ahead of the weekend action. We will pick out the best bets for each match and add them to a bet builder. Once you have picked out your football tips, you will need some free bets to use and there are plenty available at the moment, including the Midnite welcome offer and BetGoodwin’s welcome bonus for new customers.
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