Arsenal hero Paul Merson has backed his former side to come out on top when they take on Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
The north Londoners currently lead the Premier League title race, eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City going into the final ten league matches of the season, albeit City have 11 to play. Mikel Arteta's side have won each of their last six league fixtures and they will be looking to continue that streak this weekend when they host Leeds at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow, a game that Merson thinks the home side will win relatively comfortably.
Writing for Sportskeeda, he said: "If City win their match against Liverpool, Arsenal have to win this game. They've been absolutely outstanding this season. Fulham gave United a run for their money this month, and they were battered by Arsenal. That's how dominant Mikel Arteta's side has been this season.
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"Bukayo Saka is playing as well as an in-form Mohamed Salah right now, but he'll need time to reach the numbers that Salah used to put up. Mohamed Salah was the best player in the world at a point in time. You've got to remember that we're talking about a young kid - Salah was at Chelsea when he was Saka's age.
"Leeds are not going to hold back and play ten men behind the ball. They're going to have a go and I expect them to score a goal, but I don't think they'll keep it tight at the back. Arsenal are at the top of the league because everyone has been excellent. When one player doesn't have a good game, another player steps up. They've been brilliant as a team and should be able to win this game."
Merson's Prediction: Arsenal 4-1 Leeds United
Former Chelsea centre-forward Chris Sutton has also backed the Gunners to come out on top on Saturday, although he admitted that it won't be a straightforward fixture for Arteta and co. "I have said many times this season that Leeds have got some talented players who have not put a 90-minute performance together, and they finally did that with their 4-2 win at Wolves before the international break", Sutton told the BBC.
"I certainly don't see this as being straightforward for Arsenal but the Gunners are on this marvellous run of six successive league wins since they lost to Manchester City in February, and they always seem to find a way of getting the right result. Leeds will be lively and I really like Wilfried Gnonto when he gets on the ball but Arsenal have got Bukayo Saka, who is the best right-winger in the world at the moment.
"Gabriel Jesus will be closer to full fitness now too after getting some minutes under his belt in March so they have got some great options up front. Arsenal will create lots of chances and I don't see Leeds keeping them out."
Merson's Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Leeds United
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