Paul Merson makes FA Cup semi-final and Premier League predictions

Paul Merson has made his predictions for the FA Cup semi-finals and Premier League clashes taking place this weekend, including another meeting between Manchester City and Liverpool.

The two sides played out an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, with City maintaining their one-point lead over their title rivals.

This time, the two take each other on at Wembley Stadium, with a place in the FA Cup final on the line.

Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup and are in contention in the Premier League and Champions League, meaning the quadruple is still on.

Arsenal legend Merson can see the Reds getting the better of Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday.

‘I got last week’s Premier League prediction right! Manchester City have played out a 2-2 draw with Liverpool this month and I reckon Liverpool have a slight advantage in this game,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.

‘City had a real hard game against Atletico Madrid, to be fair. They’ve had to travel this week, and it was a very physical game as well. Liverpool rested Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Fabinho in the Champions League and are almost certain to score goals this weekend.’

Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League after a 5-4 defeat on aggregate to Real Madrid in midweek, despite a rousing attempt at a comeback.

The Blues now turn their attention to an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace, which Merson thinks Thomas Tuchel’s side will win.

‘Chelsea were absolutely outstanding against Real Madrid the other night. Timo Werner could’ve scored five goals in the first half against Southampton, but he still has a long way to go at the club. He’s scoring great goals at the moment and could play a part against Crystal Palace,’ Merson added.

‘Werner, Havertz, and Mason Mount are Chelsea’s best front three at the moment. With Conor Gallagher unavailable for Crystal Palace, I see nothing but a Chelsea win here.’

Manchester United will be looking to bounce back after their defeat to relegation-threatened Everton last weekend.

Ralf Rangnick’s side face Norwich, who are also battling to save their status as a Premier League club.

Merson believes the Red Devils will pick up a victory against the Canaries at Old Trafford on Saturday.

‘Manchester United will win this Premier League game easily, and it’ll paper over the cracks yet again. United couldn’t even beat Everton last week and have been in terrible form this year,’ Merson continued.

‘Norwich City can be impressive on their day – they did well to beat Burnley last week. Manchester United need to start winning matches, and they can’t afford to rest players now. If they don’t win this game, there’s no point going to Liverpool next week.’

On Arsenal’s clash away at Southampton on Saturday, Merson said: ‘Southampton are in poor form but they’ll need to go after a result. No one thinks this game is a foregone conclusion. Southampton have come back for a nine-goal debacle before and cannot be taken lightly.

‘Arsenal could fancy their chances of picking up a win here. Alexandre Lacazette hasn’t been able to score goals and I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t play this game. Southampton are not going to sit back and defend this week, and I think that could play into Arsenal’s hands.’

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Source: Metro Sport