Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is expecting a stalemate when Manchester United take on Arsenal this evening.

The visitors head into the match having won their first five league fixtures this season but Merson feels injuries to key players could prove an issue for the Gunners. He believes United will get at least a point from tonight’s game:

“If Man United win this game, they’re into the Premier League top four. Four wins on the trot and everybody goes, ‘Wow! Look at them!’ I’d be quite shocked if Arsenal won this game. They might have to play without their two best footballers – Odegaard and Zinchenko. If Odegaard is injured, I’d go with Emile Smith Rowe – for Fabio Vieira to start this Premier League game is a big ask. Arsenal can’t afford to lose, and they don’t need to win this game right now – a draw should suffice.”

Merson has gone with a 1-1 draw, which seems like a reasonable prediction, considering both clubs go into the match off the back of some decent form.

United have already showed against Liverpool, though, that they are more than a match for the Premier League’s best, even this early into Erik ten Hag’s reign, so you wouldn’t put it past them securing a win.

However, the form of Arsenal does give you pause for thought. They will make it very difficult for the Red Devils and Merson is probably right to say that both teams may have to be satisfied with sharing the spoils.