Paul Merson backs former club Arsenal to lose against Burnley on final day

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Arsenal’s Premier League away form has been the main reason they look extremely likely not to make it into the top four this season.

And former Gunners midfielder Paul Merson doesn’t expect it to let up on the final match of the domestic campaign when his old club travel to Turf Moor to face a tricky trip to Burnley.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: “I’m saying this before the Valencia away game but whether Arsenal win or lose in Spain, they’ll probably get beat at Burnley.

“Emery has to rest everyone if they go through, there’s no point putting out a first-choice team and they’ll not get back from Spain until late, and we could see a lot of players we’ve rarely seen in an Arsenal shirt before. 2-1 Burnley.”

Merson is probably right to be downbeat about Arsenal’s chances against the Clarets because the Europa League has taken priority now.

Unai Emery really needs to find a way to get Arsenal winning away from home on a more consistent basis, but for a first season in the job he’s actually done okay, considering he has taken over from an iconic manager who had let the squad stagnate.

The real key for the Gunners is of course the Europa League final, through which they can earn silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League all in one go – but they must overcome bitter rivals Chelsea.