Paul Merson has previewed Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace and made a big claim about one of Mikel Arteta’s players when doing so.

The Gunners are dominating the Premier League in several areas this season, most notably when it comes to their defensive record and ability to score from set-pieces.

They go into the Crystal Palace tie looking to maintain their spot at the top of the table, and are title favourites in the eyes of several pundits.

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Palace are in good form as well, but Merson thinks his former side will still edge out a win on Saturday.

Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

When previewing Sunday’s meeting for Sportskeeda, the ex-Middlesbrough ace claimed that Declan Rice is the best number eight in the Premier League.

He did give a special mention to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, but suggested the Argentine is not as good defensively.

Merson said: “Declan Rice affects the game more than any other midfielder playing the no.8 role in the Premier League. As an all-round package who contributes at both ends of the pitch, I don’t see anyone better than him.

“Enzo Fernandez is...