Paul Merson is backing Arsenal to coast to a 3-0 dwelling victory in opposition to Crystal Palace of their Premier League conflict at The Emirates on Sunday.
The north London facet have the prospect to maneuver eight factors clear on the prime of the Premier League desk with a victory in opposition to the Eagles, as second-placed Manchester Metropolis are in FA Cup motion and won’t play within the prime flight till after the forthcoming worldwide break.
Arsenal begin the weekend 5 factors clear on the summit of the desk due to their 3-0 victory away to Fulham final weekend because the Gunners eye their first title for the reason that 2003-04 marketing campaign.
Gabriel Jesus might return to the beginning line-up for the Gunners after he made his return from harm at Craven Cottage final weekend – and Mikel Arteta’s facet are aiming for his or her sixth straight win within the prime flight.
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Merson feels that the Gunners won’t have any issues in opposition to Patrick Vieira’s facet at The Emirates – and he’s tipping them to assert all three factors with a snug win.
“I’m going for an Arsenal win all day lengthy – decide a scoreline!” Merson wrote in his column for Sportskeeda. “I’ve at all times stated this and I firmly consider it issues who performs first by way of the title race. Manchester Metropolis are within the FA Cup, so if Arsenal handle to win this week, they’ll go eight factors clear on the prime of the Premier League desk.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson (Photograph: Sky Sports activities)
“Metropolis could have video games in hand, however Arsenal have to do no matter they’ll to place strain on Pep Guardiola’s facet as we enter the enterprise finish of the season. Folks maintain saying Arsenal have laborious video games between now and the tip of the season, however I have a look at Manchester Metropolis’s run-in and it doesn’t look a complete lot simpler.
“Crystal Palace, then again, are already in a relegation battle, however the good factor for them is that there’s an excessive amount of site visitors between them and the underside three. Patrick Vieira’s facet have a very good set of fixtures developing after Arsenal – each group they’re set to face over the subsequent six video games is at the moment beneath them within the standings, so their conflict in opposition to the Gunners turns into a little bit of a free hit.”
The return of Gabriel Jesus to the Arsenal group might present the Gunners with a well timed enhance as they put together for the Premier League run-in.
Talking earlier than Arsenal’s conflict in opposition to Sporting Lisbon within the Europa League on Thursday, Arteta underlined the influence the Brazilian’s return can have.
Gabriel Jesus (Photograph: Mark Cosgrove / Information Photos / depositphotos.com)
“It was nice to see Gabby again,” said Arteta. “You may really feel the happiness of all people round him: supporters, gamers, and workers. We missed him and now we’re glad he’s again.
“We’ve got to handle his minutes and we’ve to handle his involvement within the squad and within the group. However Gabby is feeling good day-after-day that he’s coaching. He says that these senses are getting higher and higher, in order that’s actually constructive.”
A victory for Arsenal would depart them eight factors away from Manchester Metropolis, having performed a sport greater than the defending champions, with 10 video games left to play this season.