Pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton are in agreement that Liverpool will extend its lead over Arsenal in the upcoming round of midweek Premier League fixtures.
The Reds moved 11 points clear at the top of the table on Sunday, a little over 24 hours after Arsenal slipped up at home to West Ham United. Liverpool’s impressive display at the Etihad saw it come away with a valuable victory that, in the eyes of some, all but ended the Premier League title race.
That’s not how Mikel Arteta views things and he said on Tuesday that he will only give up on winning the league when it is mathematically impossible for the Gunners to finish top. That will move a step closer if Merson and Sutton’s predictions prove correct.
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The duo believe Liverpool will win but concede against a Newcastle United side that netted four at the weekend - Merson predicted Arne Slot’s side will win 3-1; Sutton, on the other hand, claimed it would be 2-1.
The former Premier League stars also believe Arsenal will slip, with Merson thinking his former side will be beaten 1-0 by third-place Nottingham Forest while Sutton is predicting a 1-1 draw at the City Ground.
“I think we know by now that Slot's side will be hard to beat, while Newcastle are still quite up and down - they were very poor when they went to Etihad Stadium last week,” the latter told BBC Sport.
“They are capable of giving Liverpool a good game but I am going to say that the leaders will take the points, and carry on their title charge.”
Merson separately told Sportskeeda : “I really believe Liverpool don't get enough credit. They are a phenomenal team and made City look average on Sunday. This team is so entertaining and will be deserved winners this season.
“If they win this game and Arsenal lose like I predicted, they can easily start resting players in the league to focus on the Champions League. That could make a massive difference to their aspirations in Europe.”
The results in midweek won’t just have a bearing on the title race, but the battle for the Champions League places, with third to 12th currently separated by 10 points. Brentford, who sits 12th, is just seven points off fifth, a position that could secure Champions League football next term.
