Paul Merson says the upcoming Arsenal, Manchester United game could decide top four prospects

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has said that the upcoming Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United could be crucial to deciding their top four prospects. United are currently just one point ahead of the Gunners for the final Champions League spot, but they also have Chelsea breathing down their necks with a two-point deficit with a game in hand.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said that the forthcoming league clash between Arsenal and Manchester United could have a detrimental effect on the top four hopes of one side, should they suffer a defeat, he said: "I think a lot of the top-four race goes down to this game on Sunday. That's why it's a massive football match, whoever loses won't be in the top four. But if Arsenal lose they've still got a chance in the Europa League. People are telling me Manchester United could go on and win the Champions League, I'm not sure about that."

“United recently surprised the footballing fraternity with a shock 3-1 win on the road to Paris Saint-Germain“ and this ensured their progress to the quarter-final stage of the Champions League on the away goal rule after a 3-3 aggregate score.
Still, the Red Devils are regarded as outsiders to win the elite competition with the likes of Barcelona and “Manchester City in contention“
.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been widely fancied to make the last eight of the Europa League, but their prospects have taken a hit after the shock 3-1 defeat at Rennes, where they were down to 10 men after just 42 minutes. The Gunners now need to win by two clear goals during the second leg of the round of 16 at the Emirates, but the task remains far from easy, given their struggles to withstand the threat from Ismaila Sarr and Haten Ben Arfa on the road.