‘That’s why they won’t win the Premier League,’ – Ex Arsenal midfielder makes prediction ahead of Stoke City clash
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has predicted that Arsenal will defeat Stoke City this weekend.
The Gunners head up to the Britannia stadium on Saturday, kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 (GMT).
Arsenal kicked-off their season in style following a 4-3 victory over Leicester City. However, the Gunners did need two late goals to turn the tie around in their favour.
Manager Arsene Wenger received a boost during the week following the return of Per Mertesacker and Shkodran Mustafi to first-team training.
Stoke City suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Everton in their opening game of the season.
Merson believes the Potters no longer carry the physical threat of years gone by and that it is a good time for Arsenal to face them.
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“They [Arsenal] play a certain way and that’s why they won’t win the Premier League,” Merson told SkySports.
“But Stoke didn’t do well at Everton and they don’t frighten you anymore. They are not like the old Stoke teams, now it’s a good place to go and play.”
Merson went onto predict a 3-1 victory for his old side Arsenal. The Gunners will be without Alexis Sanchez as he continues his recovery from an abdominal injury.
Geramny international Mesut Ozil is expected to keep his place in the side after creating six goal-scoring opportunities against Leicester last week.
