Paul Merson makes prediction for Brighton vs Arsenal and Newcastle vs Man Utd

Paul Merson has revealed his prediction for Arsenal’s ‘dangerous game’ against Brighton and Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle United.

Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Brighton on Wednesday night aiming to maintain their five-point lead over Manchester City, who are also in action against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal fans feared the start of a costly wobble after the Gunners drew with Brentford and Wolves, but derby wins over Tottenham and Chelsea has got their title charge back on track.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already beaten Brighton twice this season, first in the Carabao Cup and then in the Premier League, and Merson expects a similar outcome this time around.

Brighton have endured a frustrating season under Fabian Hurzeler but have at least won their last two games to climb up to 11th as they target a top-half finish.

‘This is a dangerous game for Arsenal,’ Merson told Sportskeeda. ‘It’s always these games against teams like Brighton that you need to win if you want to lift the title at the end of the season.

‘Arsenal will face the pressure in every game now. It’s not like the early part of the season where you can make up for a bad result. It becomes a major problem for them if any slip up happens in the coming weeks.

‘Declan Rice could be doubtful for this clash. He didn’t look like he was moving well when he had that moment where he tried to kick the ball back to the goalkeeper during the win against Chelsea.

‘This will be a nice game for Eberechi Eze though. I expect him to retain his spot in the starting line-up. Brighton are a good footballing team so he will get chances to make an impact. Arsenal to keep ticking along here, 1-2.’

On the same night Manchester United will look to continue their sensational form under caretaker boss Michael Carrick against Newcastle.

Both United’s results and performance were underwhelming under Ruben Amorim but the Red Devils look like a different team under former midfielder Carrick, winning six of their last seven games.

Newcastle have impressed in the Champions League and thrashed Qarabag 9-3 on aggregate to reach the knockout stages but that form has deserted them domestically.

Eddie Howe’s side have in fact lost five of their last six Premier League games to slip to 13th in the table, just 11 points above the relegation zone and 15 points outside the Champions League places.

Merson is concerned by Newcastle’s drop-off but still believes they will avoid defeat in an ‘entertaining draw’ with Manchester United.

‘Newcastle look very tired,’ Merson added. ‘They don’t look like the team that usually play at St James’ Park.

‘Just look at their recent results at home. 3-2 losses to Everton and Brentford, 2-0 loss to Villa, goalless draw against Wolves. It’s not the Newcastle we knew.

‘Last season, they had a good combination between Sven Botman and Fabian Schar at the back. They are getting a bit exposed this time around with Dan Burn in there. Don’t get me wrong, I like Burn and he’s a good player but they are not the team from last season.

‘Bruno Fernandes is back to his best under Michael Carrick. But in that game against Crystal Palace, I thought Manchester United were very slow to start.

‘They were fortunate to not concede two goals. If United start like that against Newcastle, they are in trouble! Kobbie Mainoo has also stepped up so well in recent weeks.

‘All Carrick has done is put everybody back in their best positions and they are playing freely. It’s definitely a good time to be a Manchester United supporter.

‘Newcastle are still a threat at home. They need their midfield three to start firing if they want to hurt Manchester United here. I expect an entertaining draw.’

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