‘Believe it or not they’re going to lose today’: Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on score for Crystal Palace vs Arsenal today
Arsenal hero Paul Merson has backed his former side to secure all three points in tonight’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
The Gunners defeated Nottingham Forest 2-1 last week thanks to goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka. Mikel Arteta and Co will be hoping to continue their perfect start this evening when they travel to Selhurst Park to take on Palace.
Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City are the only teams to win both of their league matches so far this term and Arteta will be keen to keep up the pace, with Merson confident in the Spaniard’s side going into tonight’s fixture. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said: “Arsenal started the game against Nottingham Forest looking nervy.
“That’s the problem that the Gunners are going to encounter this season. They have to play with the weight of expectations this term.
“The Gunners have earned the respect of teams thanks to their performances last season. So they’re going to come up against teams that sit back and defend deep against them.
“I didn’t like the fact that Thomas Partey started at right-back ahead of Takehiro Tomiyasu. I also don’t see Kai Havertz as a midfielder, however, I have faith in him and he is the kind of player you want when games open up. It will be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta goes about using these players over the course of the new campaign.
“Meanwhile, Crystal Palace had a great result last week and they will cause Arsenal problems. But they are unlikely to cause enough problems to get a win over them.”
Merson’s prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton also echoed a similar sentiment to Merson, also backing Arsenal to come out on top in this one. Writing in his BBC Sport column, Sutton said: “Arsenal went to Selhurst Park at the start of last season and won 2-0 in what was seen as a statement win, given how often they have dropped points against Palace in recent seasons.
“Palace looked good against Sheffield United last weekend and, even at 76, their manager Roy Hodgson showed he is up for the fight in his skirmish with Max Lowe. Arsenal have got Jurrien Timber out injured, which is a bit of a blow, but I still think the Gunners’ firepower will see them through.”
Sutton’s prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
