Arsenal hero Paul Merson has backed his former side to come out victorious against Bournemouth in their Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners are now five points clear at the top of the pile after beating Everton 4-0 on Wednesday night. Goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and a brace from Gabriel Martinelli clinched all three points at the Emirates Stadium as we approach the final third of the 2022/23 season, with just 13 league games to go.
Now, Merson has backed Mikel Arteta's side to see off the Cherries whilst also claiming that Gabriel Jesus returning from injury in the next few weeks will be a huge weight off the shoulders of fellow striker Eddie Nketiah. Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson said: "If Arsenal can win against Bournemouth on Sunday, they are likely to be five points clear of Manchester City.
READ MORE: Arsenal boosted as Erling Haaland agent confirms transfer plan after 'wrong club' claim
"From there, they will be favourites to win the title as there won't be a lot of games left. Gabriel Jesus is back and Jorginho and Leandro Trossard are settling down well.
"All the players they've bought are pulling their weight. They've been success stories in their own way. I thought the Gunners were absolutely outstanding against Leicester City in the first half last weekend without scoring.
"Jesus' return will be like bringing in a new signing. It gives Eddie Nketiah some much-needed rest and the Brazilian's return will give everyone a great deal of confidence. The game against Bournemouth is a must-win for the Gunners as far as their title charge is concerned."
Merson's Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth
Former Chelsea centre-forward Chris Sutton has echoed Merson's thoughts in his own prediction column, backing Arsenal to see off Bournemouth fairly easily. Writing for BBC, Sutton said: "Arsenal have been brilliant since they lost to Manchester City, winning three out of three. They are relentless and, the way the Gunners are playing, you have to fancy them strongly to win this one too.
"Bournemouth always show plenty of fight and I don't think this will be a walkover, but Arsenal are in form and look full of confidence. Mikel Arteta's side will slip up again before the end of the season, there's no doubt about that... but not on Saturday."
Sutton's prediction: 3-0
READ NEXT:
Leandro Trossard shows Arsenal misconception of Eddie Nketiah after Gabriel Martinelli success
What Odegaard did to make Zinchenko applaud as Arteta reveals key to Martinelli form
Martin Odegaard drops hint on Gabriel Jesus injury return during Arsenal's victory over Everton
Arsenal next five Premier League fixtures compared to Man City and Man Utd after Everton victory
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
