At a Glance:
Arsenal host Burnley in the Premier League on Monday night.
Manchester City visit Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
Paul Merson has predicted the outcome of both games.
Arsenal face Burnley on Monday night, looking to move a step closer to winning the Premier League title, and Paul Merson has made his prediction ahead of this pivotal clash.
The Gunners are on the precipice of winning a historic league and European double. Mikel Arteta’s side know that wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace will guarantee their status as champions, while they’re set to play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final at the end of May.
Their first task at hand is to navigate their way past an already-relegated Burnley side with nothing to play for, barring pride. Michael Jackson insisted his players would be up for the challenge in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, but this should ultimately be a stroll in the park for the Gunners.
Paul Merson makes Arsenal vs Burnley prediction
In the reverse fixture at Turf Moor, Arsenal strolled to a comfortable 2-0 win over the Clarets. Goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice gave the North Londoners a comfortable lead before half-time, and they saw it out professionally in the second period.
Arsenal would no doubt be delighted if they could replicate this routine encounter, although there is some incentive for them to push for more goals, given that the title could be decided on goal difference.
Paul Merson has backed his old team to secure a comfortable victory in N5, although he did claim that if the Gunners somehow don’t win the league from here, they never will.
Rank Team Pts Pld GD
1 Arsenal 79 36 +42
2 Man City 77 36 +43
“This could be any score,” the pundit wrote for Sportskeeda.
“It could be four-nil or three-nil. But until Arsenal score that second goal, there will always be the worry of them conceding. Even if Arsenal score in the first minute, it’s all about finding that second goal quickly. They need that at the earliest to put the game to bed.
“If Arsenal can’t win the league from here on, they will never win it! Burnley are already relegated and Crystal Palace will be looking forward to their Europa Conference League final. So it’s the perfect time to be playing these two teams.
“I believe this will be an easy win for Arsenal. I can’t see Burnley troubling them at all.”
Merson’s prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Burnley
Paul Merson on Bournemouth vs Man City
Arsenal’s title rivals, Manchester City, will be able to take their minds off the title race this weekend, as they engage in the FA Cup final at Wembley with Chelsea on Saturday. That said, this showdown could serve as a distraction for the Citizens.
Pep Guardiola’s team will then play Bournemouth on Tuesday, 24 hours after Arsenal’s clash with Burnley. If the Gunners have secured all three points at the Emirates, City will know that Arteta’s side will be crowned champions if they don’t win on the south coast against the Cherries.
Thus, it’s set to be a huge encounter at the Vitality Stadium, and Merson has had his say.
“It all depends on what happens with the other games this weekend,” he said.
“If Aston Villa lose, Bournemouth will settle for a draw. If Villa and Brighton win, then I expect Bournemouth to have a real go and try and beat Manchester City. It is difficult to call at the moment. If Bournemouth go all out, this could be entertaining.
“I don’t see anything but Arsenal winning the title from here. And I have a strange feeling that this game will be a draw. Bournemouth are a very underrated team, and they play some good football.”
Merson’s prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester City
In Merson’s scenario, Arsenal’s 22-year wait for a league title will come to an end on Tuesday night.