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Paul Merson makes huge Arsenal claim before Chelsea clash: 'the squad isn't strong enough'
ARSENAL have to beat Chelsea on Saturday or they’ll have to solely focus on the Europa League.
That is according to Arsenal legend and former England international Paul Merson.
Arsenal take on Chelsea at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon knowing a defeat will leave them nine points off the top four as they reach the final 15 games of the season.
Chelsea are the side that currently occupy the last Champions League spot and victory will give them a comfortable margin above their London rivals.
Former playmaker Merson has claimed that the game is a must-win for the side he played for from 1985 until 1997.
“Arsenal have to win this game otherwise it's all in for the Europa League,” Merson told Sky Sports.
The Gunners stormed through qualification with five wins from six games, scoring 12 and conceding just twice.
They have been drawn against Belarusian Premier League champions BATE Borisov in the round of 32, with both ties taking place in February.
Arsenal have to win this game otherwise it's all in for the Europa League
“[Losing] may actually help [Arsenal] as they can then concentrate on that competition as they'll be out of the top-four race,” Merson added.
A rule added to the Europa League in 2015 means the winners gain a place in the group stage of the following season’s Champions League.
Former Portsmouth man Merson reckons that might be a better option for his former side, he thinks that competing in both the Premier League and Europa League might be too much to handle.
“There's no way they can balance both - the squad isn't strong or big enough,” he said.
The 50-year-old thinks that despite being the away side, Chelsea will be too strong for Unai Emery’s side.
He concluded: “I fancy an away win, [2-1].”