Paul Merson states his prediction for Everton v Arsenal

Paul Merson is tipping Everton to hold Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in the Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.

The Gunners head into the game desperate to return to winning ways after the disappointment of their Champions League elimination at the hands of Barcelona on Wednesday night.

That 3-1 defeat at Camp Nou followed their shock FA Cup exit on Sunday after they were beaten by Watford at The Emirates.

Arsenal have come in for plenty of criticism in recent weeks following their stuttering form in all competitions.

The north London side have only won one of their last eight games to leave them with only the Premier League left to play for this season.

And former Arsenal man Merson is expecting the Gunners to drop more points in the title race on Merseyside on Saturday.

Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Merson said: “You just never know what Everton side are going to turn up!

“One minute they are brilliant and then the next they’re not. It was a great result in the FA Cup against Chelsea and reaching the semi-final is a major boost for Roberto Martinez, however, before that result they haven’t been great at home.

“On the other hand, I thought Arsenal did well against Barcelona and they will be hoping to translate that form to the league.

“A draw is no good to either side here but I don’t think there’s much between the sides. I’m going for a 1-1 draw.”

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Arsenal have not won the title since 2004.