Premier League predictions - with European Tour golfer Jason Palmer

What is the score going to be when Leicester City travel to Hull tomorrow in what is a crucial battle in the Premier League survival race? 

That's the question we are asking Mercury sports writer James Sharpe, who gives his prediction and also casts his eye over the weekend's action.

It's 3pts for getting the correct score and just 1pt for only getting the right result.

Every week, we are inviting a guest to go up against him. This week, the challenger is European Tour golfer Jason Palmer.

The Kirby Muxloe professional, who famously chips one-handed, is a lifelong Leicester City fan and is backing Nigel Pearson's men to start turning their form around at the KC Stadium tomorrow.

Last week, Sharpe came out on top against Leicester Tigers club captain Ed Slater. The full results will be published at the bottom of the page shortly.

Verdict: I am still not quite sure how Leicester didn't get anything from yesterday's game against Spurs. City were on top for large periods, created so many chances, but somehow failed to take them. A combination of the woodwork and Hugo Lloris had much to do with that. Then, as has happened on so many occasions recently, they got punished for their mistakes at the back. The result makes tomorrow's game even more massive. If City lose, it will put them nine points behind Hull and at least seven points adrift of safety. Hull picked up a huge victory at Sunderland yesterday, which ended a run almost as bad as Leicester's. That will give them a huge confidence boost at just the wrong time for Leicester. But if City can replicate the performance they did yesterday, I honestly do believe they can get something from the game.

Sharpe's prediction: 2-2

Palmer says: 1-2

Tottenham v Man Utd White Hart Lane, Sunday, 12pm

Verdict: Even Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side needed a bit of luck to get the better of Leicester yesterday. But they also have two players in Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane who, time and time again, drag their side out of trouble. City, though, created so many chances against Spurs' suspect defence so I expect Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and co will have even more joy.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-2

Palmer says: 1-2

Southampton v Chelsea St Mary's Stadium, Sunday, 2.05pm

Verdict: After a recent slump, losing five games on the trot, Ronald Koeman's side is back in form with back-to-back victories, with comfortable performances against Everton and Crystal Palace. They face their toughest test of the season tomorrow though against the league leaders, who are showing no signs of letting up their ruthless charge towards the title. Mourinho's men have conceded just one goal in their last seven Premier League games. Another victory here.

Sharpe's prediction: 0-2

Palmer says: 0-1

Aston Villa v Sunderland Villa Park, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: After such a great derby-day win against Newcastle, Sunderland followed it up with a dismal defeat at home to Hull. They really were dreadful. But they have picked up more points on the road this season so will be confident going to an Aston Villa side, who also slipped up against Swansea yesterday. I reckon this could be a tight one.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-1

Palmer says: 2-0

Man City v Burnley Etihad Stadium, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: They may not actually have a striker in their side, but that is not stopping the champions from banging in the goals. Having a fit David Silva back in the side has been so key to their lift in creativity while Yaya Toure is now back to his bullying best. Burnley did pretty well despite their defeat to Liverpool and they will go to Man City with the plan to be resilient, organized and hard to beat. That won't be enough. It's just a question of how many for the champions.

Sharpe's prediction: 3-0

Palmer says: 4-0

QPR v Crystal Palace Loftus Road, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: So, we have had the first managerial casualty of the Premier League season today as Neil Warnock has been relieved of his duties at Crystal Palace. Tim Sherwood is the bookies' favourite to replace him but how Warnock's departure will affect the players, it is yet to be seen. QPR are a fine example of the old adage that winning your home games is key to Premier League survival. In Charlie Austin, too, they have a genuine goalscorer who has already proven he can win games on his own. At home, with Austin in form, against a side in turmoil, this should be a banker home win.

Sharpe's prediction: 2-0

Palmer says: 3-1

Stoke v West Brom Britannia Stadium, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: Stoke took advantage of a really out-of-sorts Everton side on Boxing Day to pick up a superb 1-0 victory. They have not been as impressive at home recently, though, with just one victory in their last five in all competitions at the Britannia. They should fancy their chances against a West Brom side with just one win in their last eight games.

Sharpe's prediction: 2-1

Palmer says: 1-1

West Ham v Arsenal Upton Park, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: West Ham have surprised everyone this season, and no one ever even contemplated they would be sitting in the Champions League places come Christmas. But even their fine form was not good enough to beat a rampant Chelsea. Arsenal were left hanging on to beat QPR, despite holding a 2-1 lead and Rangers should actually have had a penalty in injury time. The Gunners will be without Olivier Giroud who was sent off for a ridiculously stupid headbutt. But in Alexis Sanchez they have a player of immense quality who lifts the players around him. This will be a really tough test and I think it will be a close game.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-1

Palmer says: 2-1

Newcastle v Everton St James' Park, Sunday, 4.15pm

Verdict: After their earlier lift in form, Newcastle are suffering another poor run of results with four straight defeats in all competitions. Everton, meanwhile, have big problems of their own. They are 13 points worse off than they were at this stage last season. There were even calls on BBC 606 from the odd Everton fan saying they would get rid of Roberto Martinez. That's ridiculous. Everton have some injury concerns, with Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka and Kevin Mirallas all suffering problems. They should have enough to come through though.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-2

Palmer says: 1-2

Liverpool v Swansea Anfield, Monday,

Verdict: Liverpool only just sneaked past Burnley in their Boxing Day victory and are still desperate for the return of Daniel Sturridge. Their form at Anfield has been anything but impressive recently with three straight draws in all competitions. Swansea have returned to form with back-to-back victories, albeit narrow, over Hull and Aston Villa. This will be a tougher test, though, and I fancy it to be a tight one.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-1

Palmer says: 2-0