Paul Merson gives interesting take on Arsenal vs Chelsea with ‘not want to play’ claim

Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has given his thoughts on the upcoming London derby clash between Chelsea and the Gunners on Saturday afternoon.

Merson believes that the game is not as clear-cut as many think. He feels that the international break will play a huge factor, noting that both managers ‘won’t have long to work with the players before it is game time’.

What did Paul Merson say about Arsenal vs Chelsea?

Writing on the Sky Sports website, Merson said: “Arsenal come to Stamford Bridge this weekend and they will have a go at Chelsea, so it will be interesting. But against the better teams, like Liverpool who had a right go, those are the games Chelsea have played well in this season. With where Chelsea are in the league, teams will not want to play them because on their day, they can beat anybody and when Raheem Sterling is playing like he did at Burnley, then he is unplayable.

“It’s a London derby, a huge game with big players on both sides. However, it comes at a difficult time after the international break. The managers won’t have long to work with the players before it is game time. They’ll also be sweating on who comes back fit after the break, especially with the travel some of the players have to do. In some ways, it is a shame this game comes at this point, and it is why this league is so difficult.

“Many of the players will get back on Tuesday, have a recovery session and then just have Thursday and Friday to prepare for such a huge game. It will come down to who can adapt better and get up to speed quickly after they return to their clubs.”

How have the two teams fared so far this season?

Arsenal have had a solid start to the 2023/24 Premier League season - they have won six, drawn two and have yet to lose in the league so far. Chelsea, on the other hand, have won three, drawn two and lost three.

As such, the Gunners will enter the game as the favourites - but Chelsea have the home advantage. Form often goes out of the window in games like this - who is your pick?