Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has made a bold prediction for Thursday night's crucial Premier League clash, forecasting that the Gunners will deliver a decisive blow to Liverpool's fading title defence.
Merson's Emphatic Prediction for Emirates Showdown
In his column for Sportskeeda, Merson backed Arsenal to secure a comfortable 3-1 victory over the reigning champions. He argued that the timing of the fixture is perfect for Mikel Arteta's league leaders and disastrous for an inconsistent Liverpool side.
"If you're Arsenal, it's a brilliant time to be playing Liverpool," Merson stated. He delivered a stark warning to the visitors: "Should Arsenal win at the Emirates, Liverpool are completely out of the title race! Something is just not right at Liverpool and I can't see them getting a result here."
Title Race Landscape Favours the Gunners
The prediction comes with Arsenal in a commanding position. After a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Bournemouth, the Gunners sit six points clear at the Premier League summit with 18 games left in the 2025/26 season.
Their advantage was extended after Manchester City dropped points in a dramatic home draw with Chelsea, sealed by a stoppage-time Enzo Fernandez goal. City, who have drawn two consecutive matches, will face Brighton on Wednesday, aiming to close the gap before Arsenal's Thursday night fixture.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency. A poor run from September to December damaged their campaign, and though they have revived top-four hopes, recent draws against Leeds and Fulham have highlighted ongoing issues. Arne Slot's team now faces what Merson believes could be their toughest examination yet at the Emirates.
Merson Questions Slot's Tactics and Names Key Men
The pundit, a two-time league winner with Arsenal, did not hold back in his analysis of Liverpool's current problems. He specifically criticised Slot's decision to substitute Cody Gakpo late in the 2-2 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
"I don't understand why Arne Slot decided to take Cody Gakpo off after he scored against Fulham," Merson wrote. "If Gakpo was on the pitch, he picks up Harrison Reed before that incredible late goal. It was such a bad decision from the Liverpool manager."
Merson also insisted that striker Hugo Ekitike must start against Arsenal's solid defence if fit, and recommended deploying the energetic Federico Chiesa on the counter-attack. He praised the emerging quality of Florian Wirtz, noting Liverpool's attack suffered when he was substituted against Fulham.
In contrast, Merson heaped praise on Arsenal's formidable squad depth, suggesting their strength is now unparalleled. "It's weird but I'd be more shocked if Liverpool won at Arsenal than Wolves or Leeds winning their games away from home this gameweek," he said. "Arsenal's B team can cause 99 per cent of the sides in this league a problem. That's how good they are as a squad."
All eyes will now be on the Emirates Stadium this Thursday to see if Merson's confident prediction comes true and if Liverpool's title defence is indeed brought to a conclusive end.
