Arsenal make the short trip to Tottenham Hotspur for the North London Derby next.
The Gunners have slipped up in the Premier League, drawing each of their last two games against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Manchester City could close the gap to just two points before Arsenal take on Spurs on Sunday, which would increase the pressure massively.
Paul Merson has now had his say about the game.
🔮 What is your score prediction for the North London derby: Tottenham _-_ Arsenal
Paul Merson predicts Tottenham vs Arsenal North London Derby result
Arsenal’s recent results in the Premier League have not gone their way, but they are still the favourites to beat Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners haven’t lost a competitive North London Derby since May 2022, when Antonio Conte was at the helm at Spurs.
Mikel Arteta’s men are on a seven-game unbeaten run against Tottenham, and the Arsenal manager will be desperate to increase that tally on Sunday.
Merson has backed his old club to pick up a narrow win, but he says he wouldn’t be shocked if his prediction backfires either, because of Arsenal’s creativity issues from open play.
He wrote on Sportskeeda: “I’m sitting here and I don’t know what happens in this game! I thought I’d never say that, but it is what it is. It was one of Arsenal’s worst-ever games against Wolves. There were no patterns of play, and they never looked like their usual self.
“Tottenham have a new manager, and it’s basically a free swing for them in the derby now. If Tottenham lose, no one cares. The pressure is on Arsenal, and if Newcastle lose to City, it just adds to it.
“I’m expecting Arsenal to win, but I won’t be shocked if they fail to either. It just seems like they can’t open teams up anymore.”
Merson’s prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Arsenal
How fitting would it be for Eberechi Eze to end Thomas Frank’s reign at Tottenham?
"Who's Eze?" 🤭
The North London Derby has come at the perfect time for Arsenal
Draws in back-to-back games have complicated things for Arsenal in the Premier League title race, and they need to wake up.
There is no bigger game for the Gunners to do that in than the North London Derby.
A clash against Tottenham means absolutely everything for Arsenal fans, and all the players at the club know that very well.
That should help Arsenal get back to their best after weeks of underwhelming football in the Premier League.
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