Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday as they host Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners will lock horns with Andoni Iraola’s Cherries in the day’s early kick-off in north London.
With Manchester City not playing until 5:30pm, Arsenal will hope go four points clear of their title rivals before they’ve kicked a ball.
Arsenal have bounced back well from their shock 2-0 loss to Aston Villa last month, going on a run of three league wins in a row.
Bournemouth are also in great form, having won their last two league games and also claiming a point against Manchester United recently.
The Cherries have already achieved their Premier League record points total and will be hoping to finish the season with a flourish.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has now given his predictions for the weekend’s Premier League games on Sportskeeda.
Who does Paul Merson think will win between Arsenal and Bournemouth?
The Highbury icon reckons the Gunners will have more than enough to overcome the Cherries, predicting a 3-1 win for Arteta and his troops.
“Bournemouth will cause problems with Dominic Solanke up front,” wrote Merson.
“They’ve looked good in recent weeks, but Arsenal are something else and I can’t see anything but a home win.
“I doubt Mikel Arteta will change his starting XI between now and the rest of the season. They have to stick to their guns and see where it takes them in the title race.”
Arsenal brimming with confidence but will be mindful of Aston Villa loss
The Gunners will be favourites for the game by virtue of their higher league position and playing at home.
However, they’ll also be wary of not slipping up against the Cherries like they did against Villa at N5.
With that in mind, Arsenal may be cagey to begin with, but I think once they get into their rhythm, they should be able to overcome their opponents. I predict a 2-0 home win.