EPL Title Race Heat: Alan Shearer Predicts Tottenham vs Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man Utd Fixtures

 

​The Premier League title race has reached a fever pitch, and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on the most anticipated fixtures of the weekend. As we head into Matchday 25, the pressure is mounting on league leaders Arsenal following a dramatic midweek stumble. With the North London Derby looming and crucial clashes for Chelsea and Manchester United on the horizon, Shearer’s latest predictions suggest that the "cracks" are finally starting to show in the title charge.

​The North London Derby: Tottenham vs Arsenal

​The standout fixture of the weekend sees Arsenal travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. After squandering a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Wednesday, the Gunners are under immense psychological pressure. Shearer noted that while Arsenal technically still have the title in their hands, the "noise" around them "bottling it" will only get louder if they fail to perform against their fiercest rivals.

​"Cracks are starting to show now for Arsenal," Shearer told Betfair. "You can imagine how loud the noise will be if Tottenham beat them on Sunday as well."

​Interestingly, Tottenham enters this clash with a new interim manager, Igor Tudor, adding a layer of unpredictability to the derby. Shearer believes this is a "must-win" for Mikel Arteta to prove his team’s mental fortitude.

​Chelsea and Manchester United: Chasing Top Four Consistency

​While the title fight captures the headlines, the race for European spots remains equally fierce.

• ​Manchester United: Following their recent surge in form, United are looking to solidify their place in the top four. Shearer has backed the Red Devils to continue their momentum, citing their home advantage and clinical edge in front of goal.
• ​Chelsea: Under the guidance of Liam Rosenior, the Blues have shown flashes of brilliance. Shearer expects Chelsea to navigate their upcoming fixtures with a pragmatic approach, though he warns that defensive lapses could still prove costly against high-pressing opponents.

​The "Champions League" Escape Route?

​In a surprising twist, Shearer suggested on The Rest Is Football podcast that Arsenal might actually find it "easier" to win the Champions League than the Premier League. He argued that the mental scars from previous domestic title collapses might be harder to overcome than the fresh challenge of European knockout football. With the Round of 16 approaching, the Gunners find themselves fighting on two high-stakes fronts.