Paul Merson has delivered an emphatic prediction ahead of Arsenal’s top of the table clash against Manchester United (Picture: Sky Sports)
Paul Merson has delivered an emphatic prediction ahead of Sunday’s top of the table Premier League showdown between Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Gunners are likely to start the day with their lead at the top cut to two points given Manchester City host Wolves in the early kick-off.
Despite the additional pressure a victory for the reigning champions would bring, Merson expects Mikel Arteta’s rapidly improving side to handle the occasion and take a significant step towards a first title in nearly 20 years.
United, themselves, have made huge strides under Erik ten Hag of late but their growing momentum was halted in midweek when Michael Olise’s injury time free-kick robbed the Red Devils of a tenth straight win in all competitions.
With midfield linchpin Casemiro suspended for the trip to the Emirates, former Arsenal star Merson is confident his old side will take a point at the very least given the Brazilian midfielder’s absence.
He told Sky Sports: ‘He is massive for them. You see it last week with the way Partey dictates the game. When people do go to close him down he has the ability to pass it to Odegaard.
‘He would’ve looked after Odegaard, Casemiro. I don’t see, I cannot see Man Utd beating Arsenal without Casemiro.
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‘They might get a draw. I really thought with Casemiro in the team Arsenal suited Man United. They will sit back and defend and counter-attack where they’ve got good players.
‘I don’t see that without Casemiro, he’s that highly rated by me. I don’t give Man United much of a chance tomorrow.’
United are, however, the only team to have beaten Arsenal in the league this season and Ten Hag was keen to remind the doubters on Friday that victory in September came before Casemiro was eligible to play.
‘We beat Arsenal last time without Casemiro,’ said the United manager. ‘We have an idea of how to deal with that.
‘In the moment we played them, you could already see that the manager and the coaching staff were already working for a long time on the team.
‘I think they deserve the position where they are now. It is a really good structure, how they play. It is a really good mentality and a winning attitude in the team. That is why they are top.’
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The Gunners will be looking to underline their title-winning credentials.
