At a glance:
- Paul Merson predicts Arsenal to beat West Ham
- Good result for Tottenham’s survival hopes
- A win would take Arsenal within touching distance of the PL trophy
Tottenham don’t play today, but West Ham’s Premier League clash against Arsenal could well define the course of their season.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are just a point above the Hammers, who are currently in the relegation zone.
With just three games left, both sides need wins to get closer to survival.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are fighting for the Premier League title and could get closer to the domestic crown with a win today.
And now, Paul Merson has delivered his prediction for the game and it’s safe to say it could cause mixed reactions among the Tottenham fraternity.
Arsenal tipped to beat West Ham
The Arsenal icon feels his former side would win 2-0 away from home, which would take them as close to the Premier League title as they’ve been in recent years.
The result would also be a Hammer blow to West Ham’s survival hopes, especially if Tottenham win tomorrow.
“This game is definitely the last hope for Manchester City in terms of Arsenal slipping up in the title race again,” wrote Merson in his column for Sportskeeda.
“After this, Arsenal have Burnley at home and Crystal Palace away on the final day of the season. If Palace reach the Conference League final, they will definitely rest all their main players against Arsenal.”
“West Ham will know this is a tough game. They have to come out and play since they are trailing Spurs. I don’t think that will suit them against Arsenal.
“Bukayo Saka looks fresh. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been incredible in the last couple of games.
“The thing is, Lewis-Skelly hasn’t played 50 or 60 games like Declan Rice or Martin Zubimendi. He provides fresh legs in midfield at a crucial stage of the season.
“Both Saka and Lewis-Skelly have been like new signings for Arsenal in this final run-in for the title. I believe Arsenal will get a comfortable win here. All over for City!”
Merson also predicted Tottenham to lose to Leeds on Monday, which would be a massive blow to their own survival hopes.
What this means for Tottenham?
At this point, every Tottenham fan will admit that their own Premier League safety is more important than West Ham spoiling Arsenal’s party.
For that reason, they certainly won’t mind a Gunners win later today and will look to make it count against Leeds United tomorrow.
Micky van de Ven says he won’t be rooting for Arsenal, which is another interesting sign that the deep-rooted North London rivalry is still on the players’ minds despite their current predicament.
We’re likely to witness a handful of twists and turns at both ends of the table over the next day and a half, make no mistake.
