Arsenal legend Paul Merson has backed his former team to overcome fierce north London rivals Tottenham this weekend - and reckons they'll do it in comfortable fashion.
The Gunners host their noisy neighbours in a mouthwatering Premier League tussle at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams will be looking to bounce back from disappointing defeats last weekend, with Arsenal losing 3-1 at title-chasing Liverpool while Newcastle stunned Spurs with a hard-fought 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
And Arsenal arguably go into the clash with confidence, having thrashed Spurs 4-2 at their north London home in their top-flight encounter last season.
Speaking on Sky Sports' The Debate, Merson was asked to give him predictions for the clash - and he has backed his former team to come out on top.
"I think Arsenal will win the game quite comfortably, 4-1," said Merson. "I think they will rip Tottenham to shreds.
"I think Spurs are struggling at the moment and if Arsenal get going then they could score a few.
"The Man City game has covered over the cracks at Spurs I think."
Merson also highlighted the ongoing saga with defender Jan Vertonghen, who is yet to feature for Spurs this season, and feels that the experienced Belgian centre-back will be left out by manager Mauricio Pochettino again.
"I think there is more to it than meets the eye at the moment with regards to Vertonghen," Merson added.
"I don't think he would play against Arsenal anyway because of Davinson Sanchez and his pace.
"Vertonghen won't be able to live with (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang's pace so he will play Sanchez anyway."
