Paul Merson is critical of Arsenal but tips them to beat Chelsea.
Paul Merson
Paul Merson has told SkySports he is backing Arsenal to beat Chelsea this season because they cannot afford to lose.
The ex-Gunners star believes home advantage will hand Arsene Wenger’s side an edge over a team who have had the better of them in recent meetings.
Arsenal are level on points with Chelsea heading into the match, and Merson believes this will be a season defining match for the Gunners, who have fallen short of winning the title since 2004.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during training
He fears a loss here will put Arsenal out of the race, being already five points behind leaders City.
Despite this worry, Merson is calling a 2-1 win to Arsenal in Saturday’s match.
He said: “I give the slight advantage to Arsenal because they’re at home but it is one of those situations whereby, come 7pm on Saturday night, we will know what kind of season they will have.
“They are flat-track bullies but don’t really turn it on against the big teams and could be eight points off the top if they lose and City win. Do you see City losing three games without Arsenal also slipping up?”
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
While Merson may be writing off Chelsea’s title chances if they lose, the pressure is very much off new manager Antonio Conte in his first season in English football, especially after the club’s low finish last season.
Arsene Wenger meanwhile is always under the spotlight, and a defeat will not go down well with supporters.
Arsenal are back in form, winning their last three Premier League games after going winless in their last two, while Chelsea lost their last league match 2-1 to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s David Luiz and Liverpool’s Divock Origi
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