Phil Thompson predicts where Arsenal and Man United will finish this season

Phil Thompson is backing Arsenal to end their long wait for the Premier League title this season – and has laughed off talk of a challenge from Manchester United.

The Gunners head into this weekend’s round of top-flight fixtures top of the table on goal difference from second-placed Leicester City, and a point behind Manchester City in third.

Arsenal are gearing up for their crunch Premier League clash with Chelsea at Emirates Stadium this weekend as Arsene Wenger’s men look to beat their local rivals in the league for the first time since 2011.

Manchester United, meanwhile, returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory at Liverpool on Sunday to lift them up to fifth and seven points behind the leaders.

However, former Liverpool man Thompson says United have no chance of challenging for the title and is backing Arsenal to lift the trophy in May.

Thompson told Sky Sports: “At this moment, I’ve got Arsenal to win the league because they’re slightly more consistent than Man City.

“They have proved that they can keep racking up the points without their star players, while City look short without Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Vincent Kompany. Alexis Sanchez’s injury could prove a blessing as well as he’s finally getting a rest.

“I could not believe Louis van Gaal suggested that Manchester United could win the title after Sunday’s fortuitous win. They’ve got no chance.”

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Arsenal are looking to win the title for the first time since 2004.