Paul Merson has called on Mikel Arteta to rest several key Arsenal players in their upcoming Premier League fixture against Brentford, urging the Gunners to shift focus to their Champions League ambitions. Arsenal face the Bees at the Emirates just days after a dominant 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
With the return leg at the Bernabeu scheduled for April 16, Merson believes Arsenal should prioritise European success, especially as their chances in the Premier League title race are slim. Liverpool currently sit 11 points clear at the top, with only seven matches remaining. Arsenal, firmly in second and 10 points ahead of sixth-place Manchester City, look secure for next season’s Champions League qualification.
Speaking ahead of the Brentford game, Merson emphasized the importance of resting Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard—players he feels will be vital in Madrid. Saka was substituted due to injury in the Real Madrid match, while Rice also exited with a bruised ankle. Despite those concerns, Mikel Arteta confirmed both players are fit and available for selection this weekend.
Arteta hinted at possible changes during his pre-match press conference, saying squad rotation will be considered given the intense schedule ahead. He stressed the importance of maintaining competitiveness, regardless of who starts.
Merson, meanwhile, predicted a 2-1 win for Arsenal, confident they can still claim three points even with a rotated lineup. He suggested that Raheem Sterling could be handed a starting role, assuming Arteta chooses to rest regular starters.
As Arsenal navigate a packed calendar, balancing squad fitness with performance will be crucial if they hope to progress further in Europe while securing a strong league finish.