The Premier League is finally back, and Arsenal host Bournemouth this weekend.
The Gunners haven’t been in league action for nearly a month, but they have played in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League since.
On the other hand, Bournemouth will come into the game with a 21-day break, which should give them a big advantage.
However, Paul Merson says that extra rest will not help them one bit.
Prediction time! What do you think the score will be when Arsenal take on Bournemouth?
Paul Merson says Arsenal will convincingly beat Bournemouth
Arsenal cannot take Bournemouth lightly.
Andoni Iraola has built a fine team at the Vitality Stadium, and on their day, the Cherries can beat any side in the Premier League. They have shown that over the years as well.
Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-2 in the reverse fixture, thanks to a redemptive goal from Gabriel Magalhaes and an excellent brace from Declan Rice.
We think those two players will need to be at their best, but Merson believes it will be an easy victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Furthermore, the pundit has claimed that the title race will be over this weekend.
He told Sportskeeda: “I personally think the Premier League title race will be over this weekend.
“I’m backing Arsenal to win, which means they go 12 points clear of Manchester City. I don’t believe City can beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday!
“I’m predicting a comfortable win for Mikel Arteta’s team. Arsenal will be relieved they at least have one trophy in the bag after this weekend.”
Merson’s prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth
🏆👀 I am feeling __% confident that Arsenal will win the Premier League title this season…
Arsenal fans will love Paul Merson’s Chelsea vs Manchester City prediction
Arsenal supporters would absolutely love to see their team beat Bournemouth 3-0 on Saturday, and what would make them even happier is Manchester City dropping points.
Merson, who watches a lot of Chelsea, has acknowledged that the Blues are on a terrible run, but he thinks they will get a result against Pep Guardiola’s side.
He wrote: “Chelsea are on a poor run of form at the moment. This is a tough game, but I don’t expect them to get beat here.
“Manchester City are drawing too many games in the league, and Chelsea away is not an easy fixture for them.
“I expect Chelsea to give City strong competition in this game. I’m going for a draw here, which essentially means Arsenal to win the league!”
Merson’s prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Manchester City
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