Merson predicts Chelsea will thrash Fulham

Paul Merson has predicted that Chelsea will add to Fulham’s woes by thrashing them in Sunday’s west London derby at Craven Cottage.

Former Fulham and Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker will be at the helm for the first time after being installed as caretaker boss following the Whites’ sacking of Claudio Ranieri.

But pundit Merson sees no respite for relegation-threatened Fulham, who lost at Southampton this week, and has predicted that Chelsea will beat them 4-0.

In fact, Merson believes Chelsea have “turned a corner” after beating rivals Tottenham.

In his predictions for Sky Sports, the former Arsenal and England forward said: “Chelsea. How many? How many do you want?

“Chelsea have turned a corner, raised the bar and set an example. I expect them to go here and win this comfortably. These two are chalk and cheese.

“It looked like Fulham downed tools the other night, they didn’t look interested, and looked like a relegated team.

“If they play like that against Chelsea, who are far better than Southampton, it’s going to be a comfortable result.”

Meanwhile, Merson has predicted that his former club Arsenal will draw 2-2 with Tottenham in this weekend’s north London derby.