Paul Merson has delivered a prediction for Arsenal's Premier League clash against Chelsea with a clear title race verdict issued
Arsenal players celebrate
Arsenal have been sent a fresh Premier League title verdict before facing Chelsea on Sunday
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Paul Merson believes Arsenal beating Chelsea this weekend will wrap up the Premier League title race. The Gunners could stretch their lead at the top to nine points with victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, though third-placed Manchester City have the chance to narrow the gap 24 hours earlier when they face Leeds United.
Mikel Arteta's men have been in blistering form this campaign with only a single defeat across all competitions and a mere seven goals shipped. The Blues are also on fire at present and are coming off the back of a commanding 3-0 triumph over Barcelona in the Champions League.
Nevertheless, Merson can't envisage Chelsea getting the better of Arsenal, though his score prediction hints he believes the title battle will stay alive for another week at least.
Writing in his Sportskeeda column, he said: "If Arsenal win, the title race is over! I expect Manchester City to win this weekend, but even then, a win for Arsenal puts everything to bed.
"I saw Chelsea against Barcelona and they completely blew Hansi Flick's team away even before the red card to Ronald Araujo. Arsenal also beat Bayern Munich quite comfortably, with their second half performance being mind-blowing!"
"I don't think Enzo Maresca needs to win this game. His objective is to finish in the top four and have a cup run this season. If Chelsea win this game, they automatically become title contenders. Then the expectations from this team changes and I'm not sure it will suit them.
"We saw how Chelsea were front-runners around December last season and they suddenly fell off.
"So can Chelsea beat Arsenal? I don't think so. I'm a Chelsea fan and I watch this team all the time. I just don't think Arsenal will lose this game.
"Chelsea have a very young team and are always up and down in terms of result. I don't believe Chelsea have the experience to win a league title just yet.
"This game will also witness the battle of Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, two of the best midfielders in the world.
Declan Rice during an Arsenal game
Declan Rice is one of the best midfielers in the world(Image: (Photo by Julian Finney - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))
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"I can't wait to watch that battle! It will also be interesting to see what team Maresca will play. "Could he be tempted into using a false nine like he did against Barcelona? Arsenal are better at the back, but I just think Chelsea can get a point.
A 1-1 draw, the same scoreline as last season's encounter, would benefit both sides as Chelsea would cement their position in the top-four race whilst Arsenal would avoid a damaging defeat to a potential title challenger.
With upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Everton, Wolves and Brighton looking more favourable, securing a point would represent a positive outcome for Arteta's squad.
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