“It feels strange but…” – Paul Merson delivers Arsenal vs Liverpool prediction while questioning Slot
Paul Merson has shared his verdict ahead of Thursday night’s Premier League clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates, with the reigning champions travelling to face the league leaders.
Mikel Arteta’s side go into the game holding a commanding 14-point lead over Liverpool, who have started 2026 with disappointing draws against Leeds and Fulham. The Reds could also be without top scorer Hugo Ekitike if he fails to recover from injury in time.
Chris Sutton has already predicted a straightforward home win for Arsenal, and Merson has echoed that view. Writing in his midweek predictions column for Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal star backed his old club to win 3-1.
Merson said the timing of the fixture suits Arsenal perfectly, suggesting that a home victory would effectively end Liverpool’s title hopes. He added that something feels off at Liverpool right now and struggled to see them getting a positive result. In his view, it would be more surprising to see Liverpool win at the Emirates than for Wolves or Leeds to claim away victories this week. He also praised Arsenal’s squad depth, claiming even their second string could trouble the vast majority of Premier League teams.
The Sky Sports pundit also criticised Liverpool boss Arne Slot for a late decision in last weekend’s draw with Fulham, questioning why Cody Gakpo was substituted after scoring. Merson felt Gakpo’s presence could have prevented Harrison Reed from scoring the dramatic late equaliser, labelling the call a poor one.
Despite Liverpool being widely viewed as underdogs, they have already beaten Arsenal this season, along with victories over Real Madrid, Aston Villa and Inter Milan, keeping clean sheets in all those matches. Their title challenge has instead been damaged by dropped points against lower-half sides.
Even without Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and possibly Ekitike, Slot still has enough quality at his disposal to approach the game without fear. Liverpool rarely enter domestic matches as clear outsiders, and that role could work in their favour.
Arsenal will be expected to take the initiative, particularly if Manchester City and Aston Villa win to cut the gap at the top. Liverpool, meanwhile, may benefit from not having to break down a deep defensive block.
While most neutrals understandably see Arsenal as favourites, it’s Liverpool who are proven champions, not Arteta’s side. The match presents a perfect chance for the Reds to defy predictions from Merson and Sutton and remind everyone why they are the reigning champions of England.