Arsenal are hoping to move back to the top Premier League when they face Liverpool at Emirates on Sunday at 16:00 UK time. Mikel Arteta’s side are second on the Premier League table with 21 points two points behind leaders Manchester City with a game in hand.
Liverpool have won only two of their seven games in the Premier League so far with 10 points, 11 points behind their opponent Arsenal. A win for Arsenal will widen the gap to 14 points.
Manchester United will hope to get back to winning ways after a 6-3 defeat to Manchester City in the Manchester derby when they face Everton. Frank Lampard’s side have the best defensive record in the League so far and has conceded only 7 goals after eight games.
However, Arsenal legend Paul Merson predicts Arsenal to defeat Liverpool at the Emirates following the Gunners’ impressive start to the season. He also sees a 1-1 draw in the Manchester United and Everton clash.
What did Paul Merson?
The former Arsenal playmaker said on Sportskeeda when previewing the Arsenal Vs Liverpool game: “This is a tougher game for Arsenal than the Tottenham one and I say this because the fans and the players were naturally hyped for the derby.
“If Arsenal wins against Liverpool and manages to stay close to Manchester City in the coming months, they could well be contenders for the Premier League title this season.
“They need to keep their players fit, but Mikel Arteta will believe the Gunners have reason to believe they can go all the way. Liverpool played against Rangers in the Champions League on Tuesday and won quite comfortably, while Arsenal are in UEFA Europa League action later today.
“The Reds will have a bit more rest heading into the much-anticipated Premier League clash, but on current form, Arsenal are probably the favorite as things stand.
“Liverpool played four forwards against Rangers and dominated the game as they secured a 2-0 win at Anfield.
“Against Arsenal, though, I think they’ll get ripped to shreds if they play Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara against the likes of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard as the Gunners trio have been in sublime form this season.
“Roberto Firmino could come back into the team for this one, while Fabinho could slot into midfield to give them some more protection away from home.
“I just fancy Arsenal, but I’m not as confident as I was against Tottenham. There was no way Arsenal were going to lose that game, I’m not as sure with this one as it represents a different test for the table toppers.
“This is a massive game for the Gunners and could be one of the biggest tests of Arteta’s managerial career so far. I’m going for Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool.”
On the Everton Vs Manchester United match, He added: “Everton have done really well in recent weeks and I’ve been impressed with what Frank Lampard has done at the club so far. He’s getting the absolute best out of the players at his disposal, which is what the fans want to see.
“I don’t see Manchester United winning this game, as Everton are notoriously hard to break down and tends to frustrate teams like they did against Liverpool.
“There’s been a lot of talk about Ronaldo’s situation in recent weeks but I’m not really sure what the future holds for him.
“Ten Hag said he didn’t want to disrespect what he’s achieved in his career so far by bringing him on when Manchester United had virtually lost the game against Manchester City, but I think it’s disrespectful in the first place to not be playing someone of Ronaldo’s stature regularly! Everton 1-1 Man United.”
