Ex-Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson expects his former club to come out comfortable winners when they face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners rested some of their key players for the Carabao Cup tie against Brentford midweek and Merson says that should ensure that Mikel Arteta’s side are at their best to get the victory they need:

“This is a must-win game for Arsenal considering they face Manchester City next weekend and I think they will get all three points at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth simply haven’t got going this season and are struggling to put points on the board, so I can’t see them getting anything out of this game. The Gunners rested a lot of players for the Carabao Cup clash against Brentford and still won 1-0, so their main players will be fit and raring to go this weekend.”

Merson has gone with a 2-0 win for Arsenal, which seems like a fair prediction, considering the two teams’ form heading into this weekend’s encounter.

Arsenal will be favourites to secure the 3 points

The Cherries have yet to win in the league under new manager Andoni Iraola and they’ve scored just 1 goal in 3 home fixtures, drawing 1-1 on the opening day to West Ham, before a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham and a 0-0 draw against Chelsea.

Arteta’s men, meanwhile, have won both of their matches on the road so far, with two 1-0 victories coming versus Crystal Palace and Everton.

Injuries to key players could complicate matters

With doubts over the fitness of both Bukayo Saka (foot) and Declan Rice (back) heading into the match at the Vitality Stadium, Arteta may have to make some changes to his best eleven.

The Gunners do have plenty of depth in their squad, though, and you would still back them to overcome their next opponents even without the likes of Saka and Rice.