Paul Merson makes bold prediction for Arsenal's game at Nottingham Forest
Paul Merson is backing Arsenal to get their Premier League title pursuit back on track by beating Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
The Gunners have lost ground on Liverpool and Manchester City following defeats by Fulham and West Ham at the end of December. Mikel Arteta ’s side sit third, five points behind Liverpool and level with City, although the defending champions have a game in hand.
They face a crucial few days in their campaign, starting with a trip to the City Ground to play Forest and ending with a home game against Liverpool on Sunday. Arsenal should be fresh, having not played in the FA Cup on the weekend, and full of confidence following their 5-0 win over Crystal Palace 10 days ago – and Merson is backing them to win 2-1 against Forest.
“Arsenal have got to keep winning to stay in the Premier League title race. After this one, they have a big game against Liverpool at the Emirates and if they get six points, they are right back in it as they have a run of winnable fixtures after that,” the former Arsenal midfielder told SportsKeeda.
“Forest aren't the worst team in the world – they will look to play on the counter and Arsenal don't have a good record at the City Ground. I think it'll be difficult, but I fancy the Gunners to record a narrow win.
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“Arsenal have a fantastic squad, but they need a world-class centre-forward to take them to the next level. I also feel they should be more consistent if they are to sustain a Premier League title challenge season after season.
Mikel Arteta is facing a huge week at Arsenal (ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)HAVE YOUR SAY! Do you agree with Paul Merson? Comment below.
“If you look at some of the games they lost this season – like Fulham and West Ham – they should be winning those games if they want to get their hands on the prize. Manchester City have shown over the years how relentless they can be, while Liverpool are once again a force to be reckoned with this season. If Arsenal win their next two games, they are right back into the Premier League title race without a shadow of a doubt.”
Arsenal went four games without a win over the festive period, with the defeats by Fulham and West Ham bookended by a draw and loss to Liverpool. They drew 1-1 at Anfield in the Premier League on December 23 before going down 2-0 at the Emirates in the FA Cup third round earlier this month.
Arteta’s side will have the chance to get revenge on Sunday in what promises to be a crucial game in Arsenal’s campaign. First they have to get past a Forest side who have won two of their four league games and scored nine goals since appointing Nuno Espirito Santo to replace Steve Cooper on December 20.
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