Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has predicted Manchester United will beat the Gunners in a tense Premier League encounter on Sunday.

The Gunners are two points ahead of the Red Devils, with a game in hand, and will travel to Old Trafford to stake a claim on an automatic qualification for the Champions League.

Merson wrote in his column for Sky Sports: "For some reason I just think that United will edge this one.

"Wayne Rooney seems to be back to his best and although they were a bit lucky to beat Palace last weekend, and Arsenal did win the last time they went to Old Trafford in the FA Cup, I am going for United to win this one 2-1."

Merson also thinks that the Red Devils were unlucky to lose to Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final back in March.

"I actually thought United were unlucky to lose that cup game, they played better than many people gave them credit for on the night, and they were not helped either by Angel Di Maria getting sent off," he added.

"And while Arsenal have been on a great run in recent weeks, winning eight games in a row at one point, they never really looked like scoring against Swansea at home on Monday night.

"So I see United turning in a performance here in front of their own fans and just getting the better of Arsenal in this game."