Arsenal legend expects Gunners to cruise past Leeds
Renowned football pundit and Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has released his highly anticipated predictions for the English Premier League (EPL) match-day 24 fixtures.
Speaking on Friday, January 30, 2026, Merson forecasted a successful weekend for several of the league’s heavyweights. He specifically backed Chelsea to secure a hard-fought victory at home against West Ham United, while predicting that his former club, Arsenal, will be “too strong” for Leeds United in their away encounter.
Merson noted that Chelsea’s recent form under their current management has given them the “Renewed Hope” needed to break back into the top four. He predicted a 2-1 victory for the Blues, citing their superior technical quality in the final third. For Arsenal, he expects a professional 2-0 performance at Elland Road, arguing that the Gunners have the tactical discipline to navigate a hostile atmosphere and maintain their “National” lead at the top of the table.
The pundit also waded into the high-stakes clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, predicting a high-scoring 2-2 draw. Merson believes that the “Sky Blues” under Pep Guardiola will find it difficult to contain Spurs’ counter-attacking threat. This result, if it holds true, would be a major boost for Arsenal’s title aspirations, potentially allowing them to pull further ahead in the race for the Premier League trophy.
Detailed scoreline forecasts for match-day 24
Beyond the top-tier clashes, Merson provided a comprehensive breakdown of the scores across the country. He expects Liverpool to edge out Newcastle United in a 2-1 thriller at Anfield, noting that the “Reds” have rediscovered their home dominance. Meanwhile, Manchester United is tipped to overcome Fulham with a similar 2-1 scoreline, as the “Red Devils” continue their push for a Champions League spot.
| Merson’s Predicted Scorelines | Match | Prediction |
| London Derby | Chelsea vs. West Ham | 2-1 |
| Title Race | Leeds vs. Arsenal | 0-2 |
| Big Match | Tottenham vs. Man City | 2-2 |
| Top Four Battle | Liverpool vs. Newcastle | 2-1 |
The pundit also highlighted the bottom-of-the-table battles, predicting a 2-0 win for Nottingham Forest over Crystal Palace. He suggested that the “National” interest in the relegation dogfight will be at its peak this weekend as teams scramble for points. Merson remains one of the most respected voices in football analysis, and his “Magic Man” predictions are often seen as a barometer for the weekend’s action.
Impact on the Premier League title race
As the 2025/2026 season reaches its business end, every point has become critical for the title contenders. Merson argued that if Arsenal can secure a win against Leeds, they will send a strong message of intent to their rivals. He cautioned that the “Sanctity” of the title race depends on Man City’s ability to keep winning, as any further slip-ups could hand the trophy to the North London side before the final weeks of the campaign.
Fans across Nigeria and the globe will be glued to their screens to see if Merson’s predictions manifest on the pitch. The EPL remains the most-watched “National” pastime for football enthusiasts in the country, with millions supporting the “Big Six” clubs. With the matches scheduled to kick off on Saturday, the drama of the world’s most popular league is set to unfold once again.
As January 2026 concludes, the focus shifts to the tactical battles on the green grass of England. Whether it’s the flair of Chelsea or the grit of Arsenal, the coming days will provide the latest chapter in a thrilling season. For Paul Merson, the weekend belongs to the “Gunners” and the “Blues,” provided they can execute their game plans with precision.
