Premier League Predictions: Paul Merson Tips Arsenal to Edge Brighton and Chelsea to Stun Aston Villa

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As the 2025/2026 Premier League season enters its most critical phase, football fans are bracing for a mid-week spectacle that could redefine the title race and the battle for Europe. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Arsenal legend and renowned pundit Paul Merson released his latest set of predictions via Sportskeeda, offering a deep dive into the high-stakes fixtures involving Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United.

​With the "Gunners" currently sitting five points clear at the top of the table after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, every point is now worth its weight in gold. Merson’s insights highlight a week where the "big six" face diverse challenges, from tricky away trips to desperate battles for consistency.

​The Title Race: Can Arsenal Stay Perfect?

​All eyes are on the South Coast as Brighton & Hove Albion host Arsenal on Wednesday night. While Mikel Arteta’s side is in scintillating form, Merson has tagged this as a "dangerous game" for the league leaders. The pundit emphasized that these are the types of matches that ultimately decide the destination of the Premier League trophy.

​Merson's Verdict on Brighton vs. Arsenal:

​Merson believes the presence of Eberechi Eze, whom he dubbed the "X-Factor" for Arsenal earlier this week, will be the difference-maker. He noted that Brighton's open style of play might actually suit Arsenal's attacking fluidity.

• ​Paul Merson’s Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Arsenal

​"This is a dangerous game for Arsenal. It’s always these games against teams like Brighton that you need to win if you want to lift the title. Any slip-up now becomes a major problem," Merson warned.




​The Battle for Europe: Aston Villa vs. Chelsea

​In one of the most anticipated clashes of the mid-week schedule, Aston Villa welcomes Chelsea to Villa Park. Unai Emery’s Villa have been a fortress at home, but Merson has gone against the grain, tipping the "Blues" to secure a narrow victory on the road. Despite Chelsea’s recent loss to Arsenal, the pundit sees enough quality in the squad to bounce back against a high-flying Villa side.

• ​Paul Merson’s Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea

​Manchester United and the Top-Four Chase

​Manchester United travels to St. James' Park to face Newcastle United in what promises to be a physical encounter. Following their recent draw with Crystal Palace, the "Red Devils" are desperate to solidify their position in the top four. However, Merson expects the points to be shared in a high-scoring affair.

• ​Paul Merson’s Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 Manchester United

​Full Mid-Week Predictions Table (Matchday 29)

​Paul Merson provided a comprehensive list of scores for the entire round of fixtures. Here is a breakdown of how the "Magic Man" sees the games unfolding:

Premier League Matchup	Merson's Prediction
Everton vs Burnley	2-1
Bournemouth vs Brentford	2-2
Leeds United vs Sunderland	2-2
Wolves vs Liverpool	1-2
Brighton vs Arsenal	1-2
Man City vs Nottingham Forest	2-1
Fulham vs West Ham	1-2
Aston Villa vs Chelsea	1-2
Newcastle vs Man United	2-2
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace	1-2

Key Takeaways: Liverpool and City Keep the Pressure On

​Merson also backed Manchester City and Liverpool to secure maximum points in their respective games. He expects City to narrowly overcome a resilient Nottingham Forest at the Etihad, while Liverpool is tipped to grind out a 2-1 win at Molineux against Wolves. These results would keep the pressure firmly on Arsenal, making their trip to Brighton a "must-win" scenario.

​Conclusion: A Defining Week for the EPL

​Paul Merson’s predictions suggest a week of narrow margins and high tension. If his scores hold true, Arsenal will maintain their lead at the top, but the race for the Champions League spots will become even more congested. As the world watches the Premier League "mid-week madness," one thing is certain: there is no room for error in the greatest league on earth.