Alan Shearer has revealed his Premier League predictions for another packed weekend of fixtures, tipping Chelsea to beat Manchester United at Stamford Bridge and backing a draw in the top-of-the-table clash between Liverpool and Arsenal.
The former England striker, writing as a guest columnist for Metro, expects Michael Carrick's side to suffer another defeat as Manchester United remain without a win in their last eight games. Chelsea, still hurting from last weekend's derby loss to Tottenham, are favoured to take all three points.
Chelsea vs Manchester United
Shearer said he has seen nothing to suggest Manchester United can turn things around and therefore predicts a home win. He acknowledged Chelsea's defensive frailties and their poor showing against Spurs, but insisted United lack the belief to go to Stamford Bridge and win.
"It seems as if every week, we're saying Carrick needs a result, but he does, again, he needs a result," Shearer said. He added that if United were to get that result, it would boost their belief and confidence. Betfair Predicts gives Chelsea a 53% chance of winning, with a draw at 24% and a United win at 23%.
Other Saturday Fixtures
At Bournemouth, Shearer noted Marco Rose made seven or eight changes for the midweek win over Villa, showing the squad is buying into his ideas after a tough start. He backed Bournemouth to win as the form team, with Betfair predicting a 45% chance of a home win.
For Brentford vs Nottingham Forest, Shearer again went for a home win, saying Forest are struggling. Betfair gives Brentford a 47% chance. In the Championship, Shearer predicted a draw between Coventry and Sunderland, believing both clubs will be in a relegation battle but Sunderland might have enough to get out of it. He also predicted a draw for Hull City vs Ipswich, calling it a tough one to call.
Manchester City vs Brighton sees Erling Haaland return, which Shearer said could make a huge difference. He noted Fabian Hurzeler has not been beaten in 90 minutes across five games against City, but still tipped a home win because of Haaland's return. Betfair gives City a 60% chance.
Sunday's Key Matches
Shearer expects Tottenham to beat Crystal Palace, citing Spurs' belief after their win over Chelsea and Palace's poor display in their defeat to Newcastle. Betfair gives Tottenham a 63% chance.
For Aston Villa vs Fulham, Shearer backed Villa to bounce back at home after their cup exit, praising Nicolas Jackson's form under a manager who believes in him. Betfair predicts a 50% chance of a Villa win.
In the headline fixture, Shearer predicted a score draw between Liverpool and Arsenal, noting Liverpool's strong form and Arsenal's need to bounce back after a cup defeat with a rotated side. Betfair gives Arsenal a 40% chance, Liverpool 32%, and a draw 29%.
Monday Night Football
Shearer also predicted a home win for Newcastle against Everton, despite their dire Monday evening record, hoping they can take revenge for their cup loss to Everton on Thursday. Betfair gives Newcastle a 41% chance, with a draw at 28% and an Everton win at 32%.
