Paul Merson expects to continue their brilliant run against on Sunday but has predicted disappointment for as they visit .
Premier League leaders Arsenal welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow afternoon, looking to move 14 points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s struggling side.
The Gunners, who finished fifth last season, have won seven of their eight league games to climb to the top of the table, with their summer signings seemingly taking the team to another level.
Liverpool are already 11 points behind Arsenal, having won just two of their first seven games to slip to ninth in the Premier League.
Merson believes Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool is ‘one of the biggest tests of Mikel Arteta’s managerial career’ but has backed his former club to come out on top and win 2-1.
‘This is a tougher game for Arsenal than the Tottenham one and I say this because the fans and the players were naturally hyped for the derby,’ Merson told .
‘If Arsenal win against Liverpool and manage to stay close to Manchester City in the coming months, they could well be contenders for the Premier League title this season.
‘They need to keep their players fit, but Mikel Arteta will believe the Gunners have reason to believe they can go all the way. Liverpool played against Rangers in the Champions League on Tuesday and won quite comfortably, while Arsenal are in UEFA Europa League action later today.
‘The Reds will have a bit more rest heading into the much-anticipated Premier League clash, but on current form, Arsenal are probably favourites as things stand.
‘Liverpool played four forwards against Rangers and dominated the game as they secured a 2-0 win at Anfield.
‘Against Arsenal, though, I think they’ll get ripped to shreds if they play Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara against the likes of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard as the Gunners trio have been in sublime form this season.
‘Roberto Firmino could come back into the team for this one, while Fabinho could slot into midfield to give them some more protection away from home.
‘I just fancy Arsenal, but I’m not as confident as I was against Tottenham. There was no way Arsenal were going to lose that game, I’m not as sure with this one as it represents a different test for the table toppers.
‘This is a massive game for the Gunners and could be one of the biggest tests of Arteta’s managerial career so far. I’m going for Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool.’
Later in the day, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United travel to Goodison Park to face Frank Lampard’s Everton.
United won four games in a row before the international break but suffered an embarrassing 6-3 defeat to local rivals Manchester City last weekend.
Everton struggled badly last season but have improved this term, only losing two of their eight games and boasting the best defensive record in the league.
Merson added: ‘Everton have done really well in recent weeks and I’ve been impressed with what Frank Lampard has done at the club so far. He’s getting the absolute best out of the players at his disposal, which is what the fans want to see.
‘I don’t see Manchester United winning this game, as Everton are notoriously hard to break down and tend to frustrate teams like they did against Liverpool.
‘There’s been a lot of talk about Ronaldo’s situation in recent weeks but I’m not really sure what the future holds for him.
‘Ten Hag said he didn’t want to disrespect what he’s achieved in his career so far by bringing him on when Manchester United had virtually lost the game against Manchester City, but I think it’s disrespectful in the first place to not be playing someone of Ronaldo’s stature regularly! Everton 1-1 Man United.’
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