Shearer also backed Arsenal to defeat Fulham in a London derby, while expecting Man City to beat Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
By Kehinde Okeowo
British pundit and Newcastle United legend, Alan Shearer, has shared his predictions for the GameWeek 35 fixtures of the English Premier League (EPL).
In his analysis for Betfair, the former England striker noted that the pick of the bunch will be Liverpool’s trip to Manchester United.
With both teams still fighting to secure UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification, Shearer believes the match will end in a stalemate.
“It’s not the Liverpool or Man United we know at all from how they have played this season. I don’t think it’ll be a classic. I think because of where both teams are mentally and physically, and also in terms of where they are in the league,” he said. “I don’t think a draw would be a bad result for both of them.”
In the London derby between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates, the ex-Blackburn striker tipped the Gunners to come out on top.
He said: “Arsenal can move six points clear at the top if they beat Fulham, two days before Manchester City travel to Everton. This is a key game for me. You can’t overstate the importance of it for Arsenal because I do believe if they win this weekend, they’ll take the title. I think because of that pressure and the mentality, it will be tough for Man City to come back from.
“I know City have got the squad, but I just think six points at this stage is a big, big ask. I think it’s a crucial time for Arsenal to try and turn the screw a little bit. I’ll go for a home win.”
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Regarding the Monday night game where Manchester City travel to Everton, Shearer argues Pep Guardiola’s side will excel because it is a “must-win” game.
“Man City have to win here. You can’t make an error, you can’t make a mistake at this stage of the season. I do think with the way they can sort of change it around, like they changed it in the semi-final of the FA Cup last week, I would be surprised at anything other than Man City getting three points at the Hill Dickinson on Monday.”
He does, however, foresee a draw in the other weekday game between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea are in the FA Cup Final after beating Leeds last week, in a game they had to win and they did so under Calum McFarlane, but I still have big question marks over them. I don’t see Forest going there and giving up easily, so again, I think it could be another draw,” the ex-Magpies forward noted.
Other EPL fixture predictions:
Brentford vs West Ham – Prediction: Draw
Leeds vs Burnley – Prediction: Leeds win
Newcastle United vs Brighton – Prediction: Newcastle win
Wolves vs Sunderland – Prediction: Sunderland win
Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace – Prediction: Bournemouth win
Aston Villa vs Tottenham – Prediction: Aston Villa win
