[ UK TV LIVE ]
![](https://i2-prod.football.london/incoming/article27642066.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/0_Dimitar-Berbatov.jpg)
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has backed his old side to defeat Manchester United when the two Premier League giants meet on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners have accumulated seven points from their opening three league fixtures whilst United have accrued six, with neither side looking vintage so far this term. Considering league-leaders Manchester City have won all four of their opening four outings, both sides will be desperate to secure a victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Now, Merson has forecasted Mikel Arteta and Co to come out on top, claiming that the home side will just be too much for the Red Devils. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said: "I honestly think this is a hard one to call.
"Manchester United have had their ups and downs but they can turn up for games. But I'm going with Arsenal because of their home advantage. This one can go one way or the other.
"I think something is up with Gabriel Magalhaes. I don't see why Mikel Arteta would break up the effective centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba. It worked so well for them last season. So I think there's more to his exclusion from the starting lineup than it being a matter of team selection."
READ MORE: Arsenal transfer news LIVE - Nicolas Pepe move, £150m Bukayo Saka claim, Charlie Patino message
Merson's Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur and Man United frontman Dimitar Berbatov forecasted the two teams to play out an entertaining draw on Sunday afternoon, admitting he would like to see under-fire Gunners playmaker Kai Havertz play. When asked to give his prediction for the match, Berbatov told Betfair: "I want to see goals and entertainment, but points are the most important.
"I'd like to see Kai Havertz play and see what he can really do, he has everything to prove he's a good player. Hopefully he can start and get involved and play his best with his passing.
"Although I want to see a United win, I think this will be a tricky game and leaving the Emirates with a point won't be bad considering how United have done away from home recently. I predict 2-2."
Berbatov's Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United