Merson Gives Tricky Prediction for Bournemouth-Arsenal Game

Arsenal are aiming for a Champions League spot after two years | Credit: Getty

Paul Merson has given his take on what he feels the outcome will be when Arsenal make a trip to Bournemouth this weekend.

The Gunners who have been in fine form so far will be looking to extend their 16-match unbeaten run by the time they visit the Vitality Stadium to play Eddie Howe's side.

Arsenal under Unai Emery have taken a dive up the ladder, so has Bournemouth that are in sixth position, just four points behind Arsenal after twelve Premier League encounters.

This is why Merson found it hard to pick a winner even though he gave Arsenal more advantage unlike he did when Liverpool visited the Emirates in early November.

According to the former Arsenal player and football pundit, there is going to be a lot of goals in the game coming after the just concluded international break.

“This is one of those games that make you look silly and I say that because if Bournemouth went and won this 2-0, you would not flinch,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“And if Arsenal went and won it 5-0, you would not flinch either.

“It is a hard one, but I find it hard to look past Arsenal against teams of a lesser quality who open the game up and say, 'you have a shot, we have a shot.'

“Arsenal's downfall is when they do that against the better teams, they get beat.

“I think it will be high scoring, so I'm going for Arsenal to win 3-2, although I will give it to both managers, they will have a go and like to open the game up. But Arsenal just have that extra bit of quality."

Arsenal have just one long term injury concern with Danny Welbeck sidelined by an ankle injury which has required a double surgery in the space of four days.