Merson's predictions: Chelsea and Manchester City backed for wins

Sky Sports' Paul Merson gives his predictions ahead of an important weekend in the Premier League.

The Premier League is back and so is Merse as he casts his expert eye over the Premier League fixtures. Here's how the 'Magic Man' sees the 10 games going.

Chelsea v Stoke, Sky Sports 1, Saturday 5.30pm

Chelsea feature on Saturday Night Football against Stoke

Stoke played extremely well against Crystal Palace before the international break but just came out on the wrong side of the result. They face a much sterner challenge against a Chelsea side wanting to put the race for the league title to bed.

They won’t have it all their own way against a solid Mark Hughes side but they will be determined to extend the gap before Manchester City play on Sunday. That determination and hunger will be the difference.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

 

Chelsea vs Stoke

April 4, 2015

Crystal Palace v Man City, Sky Sports 1, Monday 8pm

Selhurst Park is not an easy place to go, especially when you are in the race for the title and have to have a go at them. That plays into Palace’s hands because Alan Pardew’s side is a good counter-attacking side with lots of pace.

But if City play to the level we know they can, they can beat absolutely anybody. If Chelsea win, as I expect them to, then it makes Monday Night Football very entertaining. This is a must-win game for the visitors if they want to stay in touch at the top and also in terms of the race for second if both Manchester United and Arsenal win. For that reason I cannot back against them.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3

 

C Palace vs Man City

April 6, 2015

Sunderland v Newcastle, Sky Sports 1, Sunday 4pm

Dick Advocaat: Sunderland boss endured a frustrating start

This is a really tight game. It’s a massive derby which is a cup final to both sets of supports and I think both sides will be petrified to lose.

However, if the results go the way I think they will then Sunderland have a chance to open up a bit of a gap on the relegation places. I just can’t see that happening.

Lee Cattermole is back and that’s a huge boost for Sunderland but it’s tough to side with either team. Sunderland will have to bomb on as the home side and take the game to Newcastle but that could well play into John Carver’s side’s hands. This one has a draw written all over it.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1

 

S'land vs Newcastle

April 5, 2015

Burnley v Tottenham, Sky Sports 1, Sunday 1.30pm

It’s another tough game to predict with both sides desperate for points at different ends of the table. Sean Dyche will have to find a way of stopping Harry Kane, who is on fire at the moment, and they will also have to cope with a confident Andros Townsend after his goal for England against Italy.

But as Burnley proved against Manchester City, they are no pushovers at home and this will be a difficult test for Spurs. It’s a hard game for both sides and I cannot separate them.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1

 

Burnley vs Tottenham

April 5, 2015

Arsenal v Liverpool, Saturday 12.45pm

Arsenal host Liverpool at 12.45 on Saturday

Liverpool cannot afford to lose at the Emirates. If they do and Manchester United win then they could find themselves eight points behind Louis van Gaal’s side. That’s far too many with the way United are playing at the moment. There will also be plenty of pressure on Raheem Sterling to perform after his comments this week and that could hinder Liverpool.

I fancy the Gunners to win this 2-1. It’s Arsenal all over – the way they’ve hit form right at the end of the campaign but the same mistakes will probably occur at the start of next season.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1

Everton v Southampton, Saturday 3pm

Graziano Pelle scores for Southampton in the reverse fixture against Everton

This will be a hard game for both sides. I thought Southampton did really well in the first half of their last away game against Chelsea. They caused the league leaders plenty of problems and I can see them scoring at Goodison Park. However, Everton are a decent team and they shouldn’t be where they are in the league. They’ve found a bit of form recently and I’m backing a draw between two very good sides.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1

Leicester v West Ham, Saturday 3pm

Merse thinks Leicester cannot afford any slip-ups against West Ham

This is Leicester’s cup final. They just have to win. If they don’t I think that will be it and they will be relegated.

With six out of their last nine games at home Nigel Pearson’s side definitely have a chance of survival but they must beat West Ham. A draw is just not good.

But, backed by their home support, I think they can get the result they need and I’m backing them for a 2-1 win against a West Ham side who have just one win from their last eight in the league.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1

Manchester United v Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm            

Paul Merson: Manchester United were excellent at Liverpool

I have to give credit where credit is due, Manchester United were absolutely outstanding against Liverpool. They gave Brendan Rodgers’ side the run around at Anfield and the home side were never in the match. That was testament to United’s performance and I’m backing them to keep that level up at home to Aston Villa.

Tim Sherwood’s men had a bad result against Swansea when the expectation was on them to win and despite the pressure being off when they make the trip to Old Trafford, I can’t see them getting anything.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

Swansea v Hull, Saturday 3pm          

Swansea look good for victory at home to Hull, according to Paul Merson

I really like Swansea and the way they go about their football. They are an decent side and the manager, Garry Monk, has done an excellent job since taking over last year.

Hull gave Chelsea a decent game last time out but you just cannot give a side like that a two goal head-start inside 10 minutes, especially at home. I fully expect Swansea to win this one comfortably.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

West Brom v QPR, Saturday 3pm                 

Paul Merson has backed West Brom to beat QPR

I can’t see QPR winning this. Something has to be drastically wrong when you are losing five games on the trot but I expect things to get worse for them at the Hawthorns. You cannot just turn a corner and suddenly beat West Brom away FROM HOME.

It’s a difficult game for Chris Ramsey and his opposite number Tony Pulis would have highlighted this one as a game they should win. With the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea still to play, West Brom need to win to avoid being sucked into the relegation dog fight. There is no doubt Pulis will have is troops fired up and I’m going for a home win.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0

Football League: Promotion and relegation hanging in the balance

Derby face Watford live on Sky Sports 1HD

The Easter weekend looks set to have a crucial say at the top and bottom of the Sky Bet Football League, with double-headers for all involved.

Just eight points currently separate the top eight in the Championship as Bournemouth, who have collected 13 points from the last 15 available, lead the way, while Wolves are closing in on the play-offs thanks to back-to-back wins.

At the other end of the table, Wigan and Millwall are both in desperate need of upturns in form as they sit five and seven points adrift of safety but face tough fixtures, while basement side Blackpool can be relegated if results go against them.

Crucial clashes:

Ipswich v Bournemouth (live on Sky Sports 1 HD, Good Friday, 5.15pm)

Bournemouth will be looking to overcome the toughest of the remaining hurdles in their path towards the Sky Bet Championship title, with Ipswich their only remaining top-eight opponents. The Cherries have arguably the most favourable run-in and boast the league’s best form, winning four of their last five. For the Tractor Boys, Friday represents a chance to record back-to-back wins over league leaders, having overcome Watford before the international break.

 

Ipswich vs B'mouth

April 3, 2015

Opta stat: Brett Pitman has scored six goals in his last four games for Bournemouth, while Callum Wilson has won nine penalties in the Championship this season, five more than any other player.

Derby v Watford (live on Sky Sports 1 HD, Good Friday, 7.45pm)

Derby have slipped off the automatic promotion pace in recent weeks with a six-match winless run, but Steve McClaren’s men can cut the gap between themselves and the second-placed Hornets to two points with a win. Leading scorer Chris Martin is back in training for the Rams and Darren Bent is also available, while Watford will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Ipswich, especially with fellow contenders Middlesborough to follow on Monday.

 

Derby vs Watford

April 3, 2015

Opta stat: Watford have claimed the fewest number of points against teams currently in the top 8 (9), winning just twice (D3 L7).

Middlesbrough v Wigan Athletic (Good Friday, 3pm)

This one has connotations at the top and the bottom of the table, with Boro pushing for the automatic promotion spots and the Latics scrapping hard for survival. Aitor Karanka's men were humbled by Bournemouth before the international break but their home form could play into their hands against 22nd-placed Wigan, who desperately need a win to close the five-point gap on Rotherham above them.

Opta stat: Middlesbrough have scored as many goals in the second half of games this season as Wigan have registered in total (35). 

Bolton v Blackpool (Saturday, 3pm)

It's a key period at the foot of the Championship table as well, and Blackpool could see their drop to League One confirmed this weekend if results don't go their way. The Tangerines are 17 points from safety with seven games remaining. If Rotherham win at Birmingham on Friday, Lee Clark's men know anything but victory over Bolton will see them consigned to the third tier.

Opta stat: Blackpool have won only one of their last 35 away games (D10 L24), keeping just three clean sheets in the process.

League One:

There are some big games at both ends of the table this weekend, with second-placed Preston taking on play-off hopefuls Rochdale on Friday, before Swindon host MK Dons in the battle of third against fourth on Saturday afternoon, live on Sky Sports 1 from 12.15pm. The battle for survival continues at the other end, meanwhile, as Crawley travel to Crewe looking to leapfrog their opponents and move out of the bottom four.

 

Swindon vs MK Dons

April 4, 2015

League Two:

The top three of Burton, Shrewsbury and Wycombe could all potentially guarantee themselves at least a play-off place on Good Friday if results go their way. They take on Plymouth, Dagenham & Redbridge and Oxford respectively as they continue to fight for top spot. At the foot of the table, basement club Cheltenham travel to fellow strugglers York, Tranmere visit Stevenage and Ronnie Moore's resurgent Hartlepool look for their fifth-straight win when they face Newport.

Barcelona expect Lionel Messi to return for trip to Celta Vigo

Barcelona expect Lionel Messi to return for the trip to Celta Vigo

Barcelona believe Lionel Messi will be fit for Sunday’s La Liga trip to Celta Vigo after his foot injury showed signs of improvement.

The 27-year-old did not feature in either of Argentina’s friendlies over the past week after sustaining a knock to his right foot in Barcelona's Clasico win over Real Madrid.

However, the Barca skipper took part in some light running and stretching alongside Javier Mascherano at Barca’s training ground on Thursday, despite not being due back until Friday.

The La Liga leaders said on their official website: "The inflammation of Messi's foot has improved and the player will attempt to join the rest of the internationals tomorrow.”

Barca's 2-1 win at home to Real stretched the advantage over their arch rivals to four points and Luis Enrique’s side will be hoping to maintain that lead when they travel to the Balaidos.

Second-placed Real Madrid, who have suffered three defeats in their last four matches in all competitions, are also in action on Sunday as they host Granada in the 11am kick-off.

Premier League bosses back Greg Dyke's quota plan

Greg Dyke: FA chairman has proposed having 12 home-grown players in a squad of 25

Premier League bosses have backed FA chairman Greg Dyke's blueprint for reforming the England team.

The majority of top-flight managers support having a quota of English players to boost the amount of home-grown talent.

It comes after five former England managers wrote to the FA to throw their support behind Dyke’s proposals, warning the national team's chances of winning a World Cup will be damaged without change.

The FA has published the letter, which was signed by Graham Taylor, Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren, on its website.

And some managers agree with trying to bring through more British talent.

If you're in the Premier League and have good leadership, you should be turning a profit. You should be using that profit to benefit young British talent.

Alan Pardew

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew said: "If you’re in the Premier League and have good leadership, you should be turning a profit.

"You should be using that profit to benefit young British talent.

"I'm all for that and an extra quota of British-based players is a good idea."

This view was echoed by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, who said: "It isn't so much an FA problem as a country problem as a whole, that's why we haven't got as much talent as we used to.

"Saying that, there's some exceptionally good young talent coming through at the moment, but it should be much more."

FA chairman Greg Dyke is looking to consult clubs about his new proposal around home-grown players in Premier League squads

Meanwhile, when asked if talented British players are being held back in favour of overseas players, Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood said: "One million per cent."

Roberto Martinez agreed something needs to be done as there is a problem with developing players in England.

He said: "The more home-grown players that we can get in our squad, the better.

"It's only a proposal, it’s very difficult to get a magic formula in the development of young players which is difficult in the British game compared to other leagues and we have to try to make an effort to help."

I'm for a lot of what Mr Dyke said. If we can produce some good young players, we will all as a country benefit.

Steve Bruce

Hull boss Steve Bruce agrees with Dyke's vision but believes home-grown talent may take longer to nurture.

"We've gone maybe for the elite," he said. "A lot of kids don’t get better until maybe later on, maybe they are discouraged.

"I'm for a lot of what Mr Dyke said. If we can produce some good young players, we will all as a country benefit."

But Arsene Wenger believes there are a lot of reasons why there is a lack of English players breaking into first teams.

"England youth teams until now have not performed," he said.

"Let’s get better at that level and then there’s a problem to integrate these players into top teams. We have to do something about it."

And Swansea boss Garry Monk said he is happy to have players from all over the world rather than following a quota.

He said: "It's not making sure we up the numbers because it sounds good, the quality has to be as good as what we have it right now.

"I think it’s a global sport and we want to see players not just from Britain but from all around the world."

Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling being badly advised, says Phil Thompson

Raheem Sterling: Guided by the advice of his intermediary

​Liverpool's Raheem Sterling is filling the headlines and attracting criticism from all corners but it's all a typical case of 'bad advice', says Sky Sportspundit Phil Thompson.

Sterling stirred controversy earlier this week when confirming rumours he had turned down a £100,000-a-week offer to stay at Anfield beyond his current contract, which keeps him at the club until the summer of 2017.

Sterling then took to the media to say he was completely focused on winning trophies with the club, while rubbishing suggestions he was a"money-grabbing 20-year-old".

"It’s becoming very like the Suarez situation now. Liverpool are in control of this, no matter what Raheem or his agent thinks."

Phil Thompson

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has since said Sterling will not be leaving in the summer, but Thompson,  who was at the club for 13 years, said the furore had only erupted because of poor advice from his intermediary.

"Not just over his contract situation, but coming forward to do a televised interview," Thompson told Sky Sports.

"If, as he has suggested, he wanted to put the matter to bed until the end of the season, to bring it up again and especially before a vital game against Arsenal, it's not the right way of doing things.

"And it shows his representative is inexperienced and is giving Raheem bad advice.

"I believe he's a young agent who used to work for a big firm that used to take care of Raheem, but now he's gone on his own and he's advising him - badly in my opinion.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Raheem Sterling won't be signing for any other club in the summer.

"It smacks of self-interest from the agent and Raheem is probably too young to realise that. It's becoming very like the Suarez situation now. Liverpool are in control of this, no matter what Raheem or his agent thinks.

"It could be a stand-off for a while, but it's the football club who suffer from this type of thing. If he was to stay and things don't go right in the next two to three years, he'd certainly have the opportunity to re-negotiate his future.

"For me, this is the right place for him to be playing his football, there's no need to force a move just yet.

"Anyone would tell him that, yet for some reason, Raheem and his advisor can't see what's right in front of them.

"It seems as though they want as much MONEY as someone who's played at Liverpool week-in week-out for five or six years. He's yet to do that - he's a good player now, but he's not yet a great player."

Premier League Team of the Season according to WhoScored.com stats

As the Premier League season approaches its climax, we look at the stats to see which players have starred in 2014/15.

Below are the top-ranking XI according to WhoScored.com's stat-based rating system. How many of these players will make the official Premier League Team of the Season - and what do you make of this XI?

Costel Pantilimon, Sunderland – WhoScored rating 7.13

Costel Pantilimon: Makes more saves-per-game than any PL 'keeper

The Sunderland stopper has not had the happiest of times since moving to the Stadium of Light last summer and initially had to settle for a spell on the bench, however, he has made the starting berth his own with some fine performances between the sticks. He is making more saves per game (4.1) than any other first-choice goalie, and he is skilled at dealing with shots from various distances, leading the Premier League for saves per game from shots inside the box (2.3) and outside (1.8). With a saves-to-shots ratio (78.4%) second only to Arsenal’s David Ospina (who has only made 10 appearances), Pantilimon could do with a little more help from his defence.

 Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea – 7.35

Branislav Ivanovic: Has made 69 tackles this season

Now undisputedly the best right-back in England according to theWhoScored.com ratings, Ivanovic has dispelled any thoughts of Pablo Zabaleta holding this crown this season, with sound defensive performances sprinkled with dangerous forays forward. Dribbled past only 13 times all season while making some 69 tackles, the Serb has also helped out with four goals and four assists in the league alone, all but two of which have come this calendar year, as he finishes a marathon of a season with a sprint.

James Tomkins, West Ham – 7.46

James Tomkins: Won more aerial duels than other PL centre-backs

Part of an impressive West Ham rearguard, Tomkins has been a rock at the back, averaging 9.8 clearances per game, while winning the most aerial duels (4.8 per game) of all centre-backs. He has been a reliable defender for Sam Allardyce, avoiding a single error that has led to an opposition goal all season, while also contributing with a goal and three assists of his own at the other end.

Phil Jones, Manchester United – 7.46

Phil Jones: Second-most interceptions this season

It is fair to say that Louis van Gaal has had to face a few problems in defence since he moved to Old Trafford, with injuries aplenty disrupting his settling-in period. He has enjoyed the luxury of being able to select a more consistent defence of late, however, with Jones playing a key part. He is making the second most interceptions per game (3.6) in the whole Premier League, behind only Mile Jedinak, as well as adding 2.1 tackles and 6.9 clearances.

Gael Clichy, Manchester City – 7.43

Gael Clichy: Consistent performances for Man City

The extent of Gael Clichy’s consistency has gone rather under the radar this season. In only one game has he recorded a WhoScored.com rating below 6.80, and only four more times has he gone below 7.00; both astounding achievements. His rating comes as a result of a hugely impressive 3.4 interceptions per game, along with 2.5 tackles and significant attacking threat (three assists and 1.1 key passes per game).

Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal – 7.84

Alexis Sanchez: Made an instant impact at Arsenal

He might have faded a little of late, but no one can deny the immediacy of the impact that Sanchez made upon his arrival in London last year. Many thought he was an unnecessary signing for a Gunners team lacking in other areas, but while some  team-mates floundered, the Chilean carried the team through a tricky winter period. He ranks fifth in the Premier League for goals scored (13) and seventh for assists (seven), while also averaging the third-most dribbles per game (3.5).

Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea – 7.73

Cesc Fabregas: Far more assists than any other PL player

Many thought Arsene Wenger had made a huge mistake by passing up the opportunity to re-sign Fabregas last summer and the Spaniard made a fast start at Chelsea. He has picked up a whopping 16 assists in his 26 Premier League games, a total no player can better over both of the past two seasons. He unsurprisingly leads the league for key passes per game (3.0), while he has also put a team-mate in on goal with a through ball 13 times, more than eight of the 20 Premier League teams have managed in total.

Santi Cazorla, Arsenal – 7.65

Santi Cazorla: Arsenal's chief assist-maker

One player making Fabregas’ absence at the Emirates that bit more bearable is Cazorla, who is the only player who can match the Chelsea man’s assist tally since the start of last season (16). He has eight this term, which is the third most in the league, while seven goals is impressive considering the deep-lying role he has occupied for much of the campaign. He's proved a constant menace for opposition teams, with 2.4 dribbles, 2.3 shots and 2.2 key passes per game, while his 87.8 per cent pass success is very high given how infrequently Cazorla plays the ‘easy’ pass.

Eden Hazard, Chelsea – 8.02

Eden Hazard: Tops the table for dribbles completed

Leading the way in the player of the year stakes, Hazard stands out from the crowd having maintained form over the whole of the 2014/15 campaign, while rivals for that title have been through quiet patches. He is hugely involved in play high up the pitch, completing a colossal 145 more passes in the final third (844) than any other player, while his work rate is underrated; he has won possession in the attacking third more times (28) than anyone else. It is no surprise to learn that he has been successful with by far the most dribble attempts (136) in the Premier League this season, while he also has 11 goals and six assists to his name.

Diego Costa, Chelsea – 7.60

Diego Costa: Premier League joint-top scorer

The grateful recipient of Cesc Fabregas’ creative genius, six of Costa’s 19 Premier League goals have been the result of the former Barcelona man. Costa is the leading scorer, scoring more often that one in every four shots, with a 25.3 per cent conversion rate. He takes the third most shots per game in the top flight (3.3), but also creates, with 1.7 key passes per appearance.

Sergio Aguero, Manchester City – 7.58

Sergio Aguero: Contributed to more goals than any other PL player

Many will have forgotten quite how good Aguero was earlier in the season given that he has had a relative slump of late. In fact, the Argentine has directly contributed to more goals (23) than any other player in England’s top tier this season, with 17 goals and six assists, despite only starting 22 of a possible 30 matches. He is the biggest goal threat in the Premier League, averaging a whopping 4.5 shots per game, also completing 2.6 dribbles per game. Some fans might question Aguero’s presence in this team over man-of-the-moment Harry Kane, but the England man’s rating is brought down by his six substitute appearances at the start of the season. With eight games remaining, there is all to play for in terms of the individual awards, and if Kane continues playing as he has been, it won’t be long before he closes in on the scores that Aguero and Costa boast.