Paul Merson: 'Liverpool must beat Arsenal'

Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has branded Saturday's Premier League clash between the Gunners and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium a 'must-win' game for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Liverpool are currently seventh in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, while Arsenal sit down in ninth position, nine points off the Champions League positions.

Merson has said that the Reds must triumph in North London if they are to stand a chance of claiming a top-four position come the end of the season.

"It's a huge game for Jurgen Klopp and his side in the race for Champions League football next season. On the other hand, I don't think it's as big a game for Arsenal. They play Slavia Prague next week in the Europa League and it's hard to see them having much interest in the game against Liverpool at all," Merson told Sky Sports News.

"Liverpool have got to win this game. They have to get Champions League football for next season. People tell me they don't but of course they do. It's Liverpool.

"I'd say Anfield and then Celtic Park are the best two atmospheres on European nights in the whole of Europe. Europe wants Liverpool in just for that reason."

Liverpool will be looking for a third straight victory in all competitions on Saturday before facing Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.