Merson Makes His Prediction Ahead Of Arsenal’s Game Against Palace

Merson Makes His Prediction Ahead Of Arsenal’s Game Against Palace

Former Gunners midfielder Paul Merson expects Arsenal to follow up their victory in Napoli midweek with a comfortable home win against Crystal Palace tomorrow.

Unai Emery’s side have been imperious at the Emirates this season, and he doesn’t expect the Eagles to cause them much trouble:


“Arsenal need to win this, they have to. The top four is in their hands still. Palace are a funny team – they have flattered to deceive and should not be where they are.”

“They can turn in a performance, but not this time. Arsenal will be able to start strongly at home and be too much for Palace.”

Merson believes that Arsenal will secure a 3-1 win, which looks a fair prediction considering how prolific the London club have been at home this campaign.

39 goals in just 17 Premier League games means they are only behind Manchester City (55) and Liverpool (48) in terms of goals scored on their own turf.

Even the Gunners’ much-maligned defence is far more secure, having conceded just 12 in the league at the Emirates so far this season.

However, the absence of Sokratis Papastathopoulos through suspension for tomorrow’s match could be keenly felt, especially as Palace have danger men such as Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend to contend with on the counter-attack.