Paul Merson states his prediction for Arsenal v Man City

Paul Merson has warned Arsenal that they cannot afford to lose their crunch Premier League clash against Manchester City after the international break.

The Gunners have found themselves under intense pressure in recent weeks after falling off the pace in the race for the top four.

Arsenal are currently sixth in the Premier League table as they bid to claw their way back into the hunt for Champions League qualification.

The north London side have lost four of their last five Premier League games to heap further pressure on manager Arsene Wenger.

And former Arsenal star Merson has warned that the Gunners cannot afford to lose to Manchester City when they host the Citizens at The Emirates in April.

Speaking on Sky Sports News HQ on Friday morning, Merson said: “Arsenal need to win this game. They’re outside the top four and it’s an unusual situation. It’s a must win game.

“But you look at Man City, if they lose this game they go to Chelsea next, and if they lose that game they’re out of the top four.

“Either way, I don’t see it being 0-0.”

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Arsenal finished second in the Premier League and without a trophy last season, and will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley next month.