Paul Merson’s Premier League predictions: Tottenham impress, Pedro Neto shines at Chelsea, Strictly Come Dancing hopes | Soccer Information

The Premier League is again and so is Paul Merson, who’s trying ahead to an thrilling new season on Sky Sports activities.

Forward of the primary week of the season, we put ‘The Magician’ to the take a look at as he picks his winner, predicts top-four surprises and lists his signings for the summer time

There was even some dance chat as we requested the newly introduced Strictly Come Dancing star about his dancefloor credentials!

Learn Merson’s full season predictions…

Who will win the Premier League title?

I can not see the Manchester Metropolis of the previous.

If Arsenal do usher in a centre-forward, I might see them pushing Metropolis all the way in which and perhaps even profitable. They undoubtedly want a 20-goal businessman.

Nonetheless, it is laborious to argue in opposition to Metropolis doing it once more.

Are there any surprises within the prime 4?

I do [think there will be a surprise]. Tottenham Hotspur will end within the prime 4.

Dominic Solanke is an excellent possibility. They wanted an out-and-out pace ahead, and he was simply that. He’s a frontrunner up entrance and can adapt to the way in which Spurs play below Anj Postkoglu.

Spurs had dangerous luck final season. They began effectively however then misplaced to Chelsea. That they had two gamers despatched off that day, however in addition they misplaced quite a lot of gamers to harm that week. We simply talked about Arsenal profitable the league and if you happen to embrace the important thing gamers Spurs have misplaced from groups apart from Arsenal or Manchester Metropolis, it should be a battle.

So if Spurs can preserve their gamers wholesome, I believe they’ll ship a shock or two this season.

Which summer time signing do you suppose may have the most important influence?

I’ve answered this query in Solank. Richarlison was a implausible participant in his time at Tottenham, however you want extra gamers than you’ve gotten now.

Solanke might make the distinction as groups begin to assault Spurs and suffocate them, however Solanke’s tempo and menace from behind might assist Postkoglu’s aspect prolong the sport .

This, in flip, might assist James Maddison, who merely would not have a lot house when he returns to the crew after harm. However Solanke will assist him get house, and with time and house, Maddison can choose anybody.

Are there another transfers which have impressed you?

The price Manchester Metropolis acquired for Julian Alvarez. Wow, so spectacular.

Gamers to observe this season?

I believe Chelsea’s Pedro Neto can do a great job as effectively.

At first of the summer time I assumed he could be an amazing signing for Arsenal. He is an ideal match for them, a participant who can take a number of the load off Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

So, that deal blew me away. If Chelsea can preserve him match, I believe that is an unimaginable signing.

With a transfer like Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United, I believe it is a deal that you need to wait and see earlier than you decide. Will he be a ‘Rolls Royce’ defender or one other participant who we query why United signed him? Solely time will inform. The jury is unquestionably nonetheless out.

Who would be the Premier League’s prime scorer?

Nobody will worth this checklist greater than Erling Haaland.

What did he miss final season? Two months? He nonetheless gained.

He’s the one ahead within the league who usually averages three, 4 or 5 objectives per sport.

Which crew would be the underperforming crew this season?

What does Manchester United’s achievement imply? I am undecided anymore.

I believe it is undoubtedly “watch this house” for Chelsea and Manchester United. In the intervening time, I see nothing however that they’re a cup crew this season. All of them have gamers who can flip it on any day, however I am undecided they’ll do it persistently.

We’re speaking a few Remaining 4 run now for each groups, however not too way back, a Remaining 4 run would have been a catastrophe.

It is going to be fascinating to see the place Could finally ends up for each golf equipment. You by no means know what would possibly occur with a fast begin.

Can the newly promoted crew keep away from relegation this season?

All three promoted groups performed in some type final season. The type of soccer performed by Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton may be very eye-catching.

Nonetheless, having moved into the Premier League, they need to now stay versatile. They have to be capable of make adjustments when wanted.

The best way they performed final season was good, however they confronted opponents of a special caliber.

Final season, Burnley, all of us knew what they needed to do, we knew they needed to take the ball away from the purpose and never preserve passing the ball out from the again. Nonetheless, they continued to take action and have been ultimately relegated.

Vincent Kompany gained the job at Bayern Munich by enjoying the appropriate approach, however that did not assist Burnley. New managers within the Premier League want to contemplate this and stay versatile. You may’t open the sport each week. Typically that you must sit down and be disciplined.

The problem could also be that I count on groups like Everton to be extra aggressive this season. Final season they have been preventing for relegation however I do not suppose that may occur this 12 months. That eliminates a crew that might go down, so it should be tough as a result of it is a brutal league.

However simply begin effectively and construct some confidence and also you by no means know the way it will prove.

Lastly, are you able to get to Blackpool by way of Strictly?

Who is aware of! It will not be for lack of making an attempt or lack of effort.

I strive to not look up to now forward. That is not how I see my life. I attempt to take issues as they arrive and see the place it takes me.

However it’ll undoubtedly be enjoyable. Let’s give it a try to see what we are able to obtain!