Arsenal hero Paul Merson has backed Mikel Arteta's side to defeat Fulham in their highly-anticipated Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.
The north Londoners saw second-placed Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday evening, moving within two points of the league leaders, who travel to Craven Cottage later on today. But former Gunners star Merson has predicted his old side to hold their nerve against Marco Silva's men, forecasting them to restore their five-point lead over Pep Guardiola and co.
Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson said: "Arsenal are probably going to be just two points clear of Manchester City by the time they start this game. The Gunners need to keep their lead over City intact until the two sides meet next (27 April) or at least until Arsenal play Liverpool (9 April) away from home.
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"They have to win this game. Fulham have done great but they'll miss Joao Palhinha dearly. Fulham are not playing Arsenal off the pitch in this one. Both teams play expansive football and if the better players rise to the occasion, Arsenal should be able to get the win here."
Merson's Prediction: Fulham 0-3 Arsenal
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton also backed the Gunners to come out on top on Sunday. However, he predicted the game to be a little closer than Merson.
"What a great game this is going to be, and what a test for Arsenal", Sutton wrote for the BBC. "I really enjoyed watching the Gunners last week.
"Who would have thought that Mikel Arteta's side would have been celebrating at full-time of a game against Bournemouth like they had just won the World Cup, but I get it - I was excited too, I actually jumped out of my seat when they scored their winner. What Arsenal are doing is brilliant, but I am concerned about whether they can keep it up because they are so stretched up front.
"Leandro Trossard came off injured against the Cherries and Eddie Nketiah has lost his way a bit. Gabriel Jesus has been back in training and I wonder how close he is to a return - because he is going to be massive in this run-in.
"Playing in the Europa League on Thursday is going to be a distraction for Arsenal but they have to focus on the Premier League now - when are they going to be in a position like this again?
"Fulham have been flying and will have a real go at them, the same as they did at Emirates Stadium in August when the Gunners came back from a goal down to win late on, with Jesus getting the crucial goal. This time? It is going to be another close one, but I am backing Arsenal to find a way, again."
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
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