Arsenal legend fires warning to Gunners over ‘tough’ festive fixture list

After scraping past Wolves last weekend, Arsenal face a stern test at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, with a trip to Everton kicking off a festive run that could define their title challenge.

The Gunners then take on high-flying Brighton and Aston Villa, both at home.

And former midfielder Ray Parlour believes this is the toughest schedule among the title contenders.

“Arsenal have three tough games, make no mistake,” says Parlour.

“Mikel must look at his squad and make sure he has everyone firing for these three games. At home Arsenal are very good, come out the blocks and have a great record, so they must continue this against two teams who have got the better of Arsenal at the Emirates in recent years.

“Everton is a tough one as it’s a late Saturday night game, which is never easy. Again, we need to show the right determination and be clinical in front of goal, defend well and manage the game to come out with a win.

“So it’s a crucial period with nine points available, and we now have our strikers back so going forward we’re looking good.”

History shows that just over 50 per cent of teams that top the league at Christmas go on to win the Premier League. And with so many games to come across the festive period, it’s this stage of the season when titles can be won and lost.

NetBet currently have Arsenal installed as 4/6 favourites to lift the Premier League title in May, with Manchester City 13/8 and Aston Villa 28/1. Chelsea are currently 33/1 to win their first league title since 2017.

The Toffees are 22/5 to beat the Gunners on Saturday night, while Aston Villa are 17/16 to triumph over Manchester United at Villa Park on Sunday and Chelsea are 8/5 to pick up three points against Newcastle at St James’s Park.

West Ham are 11/1 to cause an upset at the Etihad Stadium.

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And with nine points up for grabs over the festive period, Parlour predicts a perfect run.

“I would go for a 2-1 win over Everton, a 2-0 win over Villa then a 1-0 win over Brighton,” says the 52-year-old.

“It won’t be easy though, Arsenal must be really focused as can’t afford to slip up. There are no easy games in the Premier League.

“You have to understand if you don’t turn up with the right attitude, you can drop points and get beat. It’s so competitive now and teams are competing to get up the table.

“Chelsea go to Newcastle which is never easy, then Villa at home is tough as Emery has them playing well.

“For Manchester City, this is more comfortable with West Ham at home, then Forest away. Although Forest are improving under Sean Dyche, City should have enough. Sunderland is never easy, but they have many players at the Africa Cup of Nations.”

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