Arsenal could go six points clear at the top of the Premier League before Manchester City face Everton on Monday night.
Alan Shearer and Paul Merson reckon that Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League if they beat Fulham this weekend. The Gunners could extend their lead at the top of the table to six points when they face Marco Silva’s side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.
With Manchester City not set to play Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until Monday night, Arsenal have the chance to pile on the pressure. Although Pep Guardiola’s side could reclaim first place if they win their games in hand, Shearer and Merson don’t believe they’ll be able to overcome a six-point deficit.
Speaking to Betfair, the former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers striker said: “This is a key game for me. You can’t state the importance of it for Arsenal because I do believe if they win this weekend, then I think they’ll take the title.
“I think because of that pressure and the mentality, it will be tough for Man City to come back from. I know City have got the squad, but I just think six points at this stage is a big, big ask. I think it’s a crucial time for Arsenal to try and turn the screw a little bit.
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“I’ll go for a home win,” added Shearer. Singing from the same hymn sheet in a column for Sportskeeda, former Arsenal midfielder Merson said: “If Arsenal win this game, they win the league!
“Three points to Mikel Arteta’s team in this one, and Manchester City will have to pull up trees to win the title from here on. I said it before as well, these two games against Newcastle and Fulham are so crucial for Arsenal that I would not think of goal difference.
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“I’d take a 1-0 win and just get the three points. City still have to go to Everton and Bournemouth, which are two tricky away fixtures. Arsenal getting points on the board before those games will be an advantage for sure.
“I watched City against Burnley, and I thought they weren’t that great either. I expect them to score goals in games, but they could concede chances, and a team like Everton or Bournemouth might hurt them!”
Merson also suggested that this weekend’s clash could make or break the season for Arsenal. The Sky Sports pundit added: “Arsenal must forget about the second leg against Atletico Madrid and get the job done against Fulham.
“If they lose to Fulham, then they will definitely lose to Atletico on Tuesday. And hence, it could be all over for them in the next few days. Arsenal must get the win.
“If I had to choose between the Premier League or the Champions League for Arsenal this season, I’d choose the league all day long. If they lose out on the league title to City and go into the Champions League final at the end of the season, they won’t be favourites to win that.
“The pressure will be huge and Arsenal must ensure they win the league first before they can think of the Champions League trophy. Arsenal 2-0 Fulham.”
