Paul Merson and Alan Shearer agree on Chelsea vs Arsenal prediction as 'must-win' claim made

Paul Merson and Alan Shearer are in agreement that Chelsea and Arsenal will play out a draw at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

The Blues host Mikel Arteta's side in West London on Sunday afternoon, with the Gunners searching for a first Premier League win in four games having dropped points against Bournemouth, Liverpool and Newcastle United in recent weeks.

Both teams are level on 18 points after ten Premier League games of the season, though Chelsea enjoyed a better result in midweek as they beat FC Noah 8-0 while Arsenal were defeated by Inter Milan.

However, both pundits believe there is little to separate the teams this weekend and, as a result, are predicting the points to be shared at Stamford Bridge.

Previewing the game for , Merson said: "This is a massive football match, especially because by the time it kicks off both Manchester City and Liverpool would have already played.

"Liverpool could go 10 points ahead, City could open up an eight point lead, if lose to Chelsea. Arsenal got lucky last weekend after City also slipped up against Bournemouth. But they won't expect any such favours this weekend.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"It's a must-win game for Arsenal. If you are 10 and eight points behind Liverpool and City after this game week, you're done in the title race! I don't care if there are 27 games still left in the season, Liverpool and City are not losing that many games.

" have lost all their big games this season and they are in desperate need of a win. If close down quickly, the Blues could be in trouble. I think William Saliba and Gabriel will enjoy that battle with Nicolas Jackson. It won't be as easy for Jackson as it was against Newcastle in Chelsea's last home game in the league.

"Arsenal win this game if Cole Palmer doesn't play, it's as simple as that. The only way Chelsea have a chance is if Palmer plays from the start. He is the heartbeat and he makes everything happen for Chelsea.

"I'm going for a draw here, big result for Chelsea but Arsenal will be out of the title race. Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal."

Meanwhile, Shearer, speaking to, said: “Chelsea head into their match with Arsenal above the Gunners after 10 Premier League games, and though Arsenal have stumbled recently, it shows how well Enzo Maresca has done at Chelsea, especially when you include the chaotic nature at the club.

“The midfield is probably where this game with Arsenal will be won and lost. Rice and Partey against Caicedo and Lavia is a good battle because you’re talking about good midfielders that enjoy handling the ball.

“The game against Chelsea is a ‘must not get beat game’ for Arsenal. I don’t care who you are, the potential of sitting 10 points behind Liverpool is a lot at this level, and they can’t afford too many more defeats.

“There will be fireworks, and it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw a red card or two, but I’ll go for a draw on Sunday.”