Paul Merson states his prediction for Arsenal v Bournemouth
Paul Merson looks ahead to Arsenal's crunch Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday
Paul Merson is tipping Arsenal to get back to winning ways in the Premier League by beating Bournemouth 2-1 at The Emirates on Saturday.
The Gunners head into the game on the back of their demoralising 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool before the international break as the pressure intensified on Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
That loss followed their surprise 1-0 defeat by Stoke City to leave Arsenal with just three points from their opening three Premier League games.
However, former Arsenal man Merson is tipping the Gunners to edge to a narrow victory over Eddie Howe’s men at The Emirates as they bid to get their season back on track.
Merson wrote in his column for Sky Sports: “This is a massive game for Arsenal. A few years ago I would have said Arsenal to win 3-0 or 4-0, however, I just don’t see that now.
“I am going to favour Arsenal slightly but something just tells me they are not going to win. I watched the game at Liverpool and they were an embarrassment. I just don’t know how you turn that around, especially after the international break as all the players have been apart for over a week.
“Bournemouth will go to the Emirates and have a real go and that’s the best way to do it in my opinion. This Arsenal team are good going forward but they are terrible at the back.
“I am going to give Arsenal the edge but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if there was a shock in this one. This is certainly not going to be a walk in the park for the Gunners.”
Arsenal are aiming to win the Premier League title for the first time this season since their famous unbeaten triumph in the 2003-04 campaign.
The Gunners finished fifth and won the FA Cup last season under Wenger.
