‘Let’s be realistic’: Paul Merson now predicts the result of Chelsea v Arsenal clash

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Paul Merson has given Sportskeeda his prediction for the clash between Chelsea and Arsenal this weekend.

The London rivals are set to meet at Stamford Bridge this weekend in what will be a huge clash for both sides.

Graham Potter’s men will be looking to bounce back from a humiliating defeat against his former team Brighton.

Mikel Arteta’s men are flying high at the moment and with their 5-0 win against Nottingham Forest last weekend they went back to the top of the Premier League.

And Arsenal legend Paul Merson thinks his former side will fail to take all three points on Sunday, predicting a 1-1 draw.

Merson predicts Chelsea v Arsenal

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson claims that Arsenal just need to avoid defeat in order to maintain a push for the Premier League title.

He said: “This is a massive game for both teams, for different reasons. If Arsenal win, they will go 13 points clear of Chelsea. Let’s be realistic now – Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea aren’t talking about winning the Premier League title. The title race is over for them, and they’re looking for a top-four finish.

“If Arsenal win this game, they’d have to lose five football matches for Chelsea to catch them, and that’s if Chelsea don’t lose themselves. This is a big game for Arsenal, and they’ll need to avoid defeat. They need to make sure they’re not flat-track bullies. If Arsenal don’t lose this match, you’d expect them to be in the running for the Premier League title for a long time.

“I’m not sure who’s going to play for Chelsea this week. We all know what Arsenal team is going to play, and that’s why they’re at the top of the Premier League table. They’re playing the same team every week, and it’s working a treat – fair play to Arteta.

“Arsenal need a big squad and it does look like they’ll go deep into multiple competitions. They’re at the top of the Premier League table, and they’re doing well in the Europa League. Arsenal need to keep players like Kieran Tierney in their squad.

“Raheem Sterling is not a wing-back. It’s a really hard position to play in, and you can’t just put anybody there. Graham Potter got it horribly wrong last week. Great wing-backs don’t get the credit they deserve – they take one full side of the pitch and they’ve got to go up and down. Raheem Sterling is as much of a wing-back as I am a goalkeeper.

“Arsenal are flying in the Premier League at the moment, and they don’t need the World Cup rest. They’re on a roll and they were outstanding against Forest. I think this match will end in a draw, and that’ll be a good result for Arsenal.”

TBR prediction: Arsenal to pick up statement win

This is a massive game for both sides and Chelsea will be desperate to pick up a result after losing 4-1 last weekend. 

Potter suffered his first defeat as Chelsea boss but they bounced back well against Dinamo Zagreb last night.

But Arsenal look in devastating form at the moment and have been boosted by the return of Oleksandr Zinechnko, as well as the positive news on Bukayo Saka’s injury.  

The Gunners have already beaten Tottenham and Liverpool at the Emirates but are still looking for a big win away from home this season. they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford but they have a brilliant opportunity to lay down a marker on Sunday.

We think the Gunners will have too much for Chelsea on the day and pick up a 2-1 win, which will be a huge statement from Arteta’s side.