has suggested that Arsenal will be out of the title race if they fail to win their next two games against and Liverpool.
Defeats to West Ham and Fulham before the turn of the year put a massive dent in the Gunners title hopes, with a defeat to Liverpool in the third-round further hurting their momentum.
A 5-0 thrashing of has remedied that somewhat and they should be well rested and more than capable of beating Forest on Tuesday night.
Following that, they play the Reds again at the Emirates on Sunday, and the result could make or beak Mikel Arteta’s season.
As it stands, Liverpool are top of the table, five points clear of Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa, and have only lost once in the Premier League this season.
Victory in both games is imperative therefore, and Merson is hopeful they’ll get all three points at the City Ground, telling : have got to keep winning to stay in the 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.
‘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.
‘Arsenal have a fantastic squad, but they need a world-class center 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.
‘If you look at some of the games they lost this season – like Fulham and – they should be winning those games if they want to get their hands on the prize. 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. Prediction:Â Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal.’
, .
,  and .
