Paul Merson has made his prediction for Arsenal’s trip to Leicester City and claims ‘nerves are beginning to show’ in the Premier League leaders.
The Gunners recovered from a slight wobble to beat Aston Villa 4-2 last weekend, and Manchester City’s subsequent 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest ensured the defending champions are two points behind Mikel Arteta’s side. .
Arsenal are seeking their first league title since 2004 and on Saturday they will face a Leicester side who are struggling for consistency under Brendan Rodgers.
The Foxes are currently 14th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation zone, having lost 3-0 to Manchester United last time out.
Merson admits Arsenal have been ‘nervous’ and ‘unsettled’ in recent weeks but hopes the Gunners get through a thrilling Premier League clash at King Power Stadium.
“Arsenal will win this game,” the former Arsenal and England winger told Sportskeeda.
“I thought Leicester were unlucky the other day against Manchester United. They could have been 2-0 up before United started scoring.
‘Leicester will cause problems for Arsenal this weekend. If they hadn’t missed a couple of big chances and David de Gea hadn’t made those massive saves, Leicester could have gotten a result at Old Trafford last Sunday.
In the meantime, this could be a decisive game for Arsenal. Manchester City, I think, will definitely beat Bournemouth.
‘If Arsenal win here and then beat Everton in the middle of the week, which is their game to go, they will again be five points ahead at the top.
“Arsenal have a relatively easy series of games ahead of them and if City falter in any of these next few weeks of play, the Gunners could well be on their way to winning the title. Arsenal are the team to watch right now.
“Mikel Arteta’s team seems to get a little nervous at times and is a bit caught between wanting to be solid defensively and doing everything possible in attack.
Ideally, they should score the first goal and if they do, they will play their best football for the rest of the game.
“But they haven’t been doing much in recent games and that’s what has led to them being shaky at the back because the nerves start to show.”
“I expect Arsenal to emerge victorious in an entertaining game, 3-2.”
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