Paul Merson believes Arsenal will want Liverpool to beat Aston Villa to bolster their Premier League title bid.

Villa will give their all in their away trip to Liverpool because a victory will secure their spot in the top 4 and earn them a place in next season’s Champions League.

Such a scenario would leave Tottenham with almost nothing to strive for when they host Manchester City the next day, a match where Arsenal will have to pray for their neighbor to cause the reigning champions to drop points.

Liverpool will have to fight hard against Aston Villa

Merson explained on Sky Sports: “If Villa get beaten tomorrow, Tottenham are still in the race. So, they need to achieve something against Man City, if Villa get beaten. Every Arsenal fan needs Villa to get beaten tomorrow. If Liverpool can get a result, Tottenham will still be hungry.”

“If Liverpool win by a margin of 2 or 3 goals, Villa will face Crystal Palace, nobody wants to play Palace at this stage, and Spurs go to Sheffield United.”

“Tottenham fans will cheer if Man City score, they will do that. One thing they don’t want is Arsenal winning the tournament. But they have no choice.”