CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: PAUL MERSON PREDICTS ARSENAL VS PSV
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has shared his prediction for the Gunners’ Champions League Round of 16 clash against PSV.
Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to the Netherlands on Tuesday night, but Merson, writing for Sky Sports, believes winning the Premier League would be an easier task for Arsenal.
“This would have been a favorable draw if Arsenal had a full squad, but with their current lack of firepower, I don’t see them dominating PSV. It’s now a tricky tie,” Merson noted.
“Arsenal haven’t scored in their last two games, and the only goal they managed against Leicester—a team conceding goals easily—came in the final 10 minutes.
“I also hope Arteta stops playing Mikel Merino as a striker. I don’t understand that decision. Yes, he came on and scored twice against Leicester, but let’s be honest, Leicester aren’t strong defensively.
“If I were Arteta, I’d play Raheem Sterling up front. He’s lively and a real threat. Defenders would be comfortable facing Merino all day long because he’s not a natural striker. At least Sterling has experience in that position.”
Merson warned that the game could be tougher than expected.
“I still expect Arsenal to progress, but it’s not as straightforward as it once seemed. This tie could go the distance.
“With the title race effectively over, the Champions League is now their season. But even if they advance, they’ll likely face Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals—Real would outscore Arsenal.
“Then there’s a possible semi-final against Liverpool or another top side. Honestly, it’s probably easier to win the league, and they’re already 13 points behind.
“One bad 45 minutes could knock them out. Arsenal just don’t have the firepower to blow teams away in a short period.”