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Tom Coley

Paul Merson delivers Arsenal title prediction ahead of Brentford clash in Chris Sutton agreement

Arsemal are looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League as they face London rivals Brentford. Thomas Frank's team are having a stellar second season and sit seventh.

Should the Bees pull off a shock on Saturday it would put them within three points of fifth place Tottenham, such is the nature of their performances this term. The Gunners are imperious at the Emirates Stadium though and are one of just two teams to be unbeaten at home.

Newcastle, ironically the other dominant home side, are the only team to stop Mikel Arteta's men from claiming three points on their own turf. With the second most goals at home in the league too it will be a nice refresh for the Gunners to return to North London after a tough trip to Everton last weekend.

READ MORE: Arsenal star admits Mikel Arteta judged him on more than his 'football ability'

As for Brentford, it's their own home form which is impressive but Arsenal cruised past them 3-0 in the return fixture. No such ride should be expected here though. Only Arsenal have a better record across the last eight games that Frank's men, who are unbeaten in that time.

It is a game that has all the billings of a feisty encounter, especially with one eye peering towards the big title battle against Manchester City on Wednesday. It's not that game that former midfielder Paul Merson is focusing on, though. "This is Arsenal's biggest game of the season by a million miles," he writes for SportsKeeda.

"They've just had a shocking result against Everton, and it was a poor performance. I've said it before - you're going to lose football matches. It's about how you respond after you lose.

"If Arsenal had defeated Everton last week, they would've won the Premier League. They would've gone eight points clear at the top with a game in hand. Everton had a lot of energy about them, and I felt sorry for Jorginho the other day. I didn't think it was the right time to bring him on.

"If Arsenal win this game and then get a result against City next week, it's all over. With their fixture list in the Premier League after these two games, you'd expect Arsenal to avoid defeat. If Arsenal win the next two games, I think they'll be Premier League champions.

"Brentford are playing as well as anybody, and they're on a roll on a half. If you look at the form table, Brentford are on top at the moment. Arsenal played well at Brentford last time, and there's still a lot of bitterness there from last season. This is going to be a hard game, but I'm backing Arsenal to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table this weekend."

Paul Merson's prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

Strong words, then, from Merson. The Gunners are now title favourites but will be aware of how much things can change and how quickly too. That hasn't hindered Chris Sutton from also backing a home win on Saturday though. The former Chelsea striker is behind Arteta's men too.

Chris Sutton prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

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