Arsenal legend, Paul Merson has insisted that the Gunners have a chance in the Premier League title race this season if they can keep their best players fit.
Merson also believes Chelsea is not going to challenge for the Premier League title but could finish in the top four.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal are currently in the second and third positions on the Premier League table.
They are now seven points behind leaders Liverpool after the Reds dropped two points following their 3-3 draw at Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Speaking about Arsenal’s Premier League title chances, Merson said on Sky Sports News: “If they can get their best team on the pitch like they did the week before, the team that beat West Ham, then they have got a chance [to win the EPL title]. The team that beat Sporting was their best team.
“I said on Super Sunday a few weeks ago that it had to get down to six points before it went to 12. It’s down to seven at the moment.
“Both Liverpool and Arsenal have got difficult games this weekend but Arsenal have just got to stay in there. Keep everybody fit and you never, never know. They won’t be far off. With Odegaard back in the team, they are a completely different team.”
On Chelsea’s title chances, Merson added, “You’ve got to learn how to walk before you start sprinting.
“I think they’ve just got to keep on going, they’re going under the radar at the moment. It’s a young team.
“I think if Chelsea get in the top four and win a trophy, I expect them to win the Europa Conference League, then I think that’s a great season. We’ve got to remember at the start of the season that it was about trying to get into the top four.”