Ray Parlour predicts Arsenal's title run-in - and the games where points could be dropped

Arsenal have their fate in their own hands – for now (Picture: Getty)

Ray Parlour has mapped out Arsenal ’s route to the Premier League title as their tense run-in alongside Manchester City shifts into focus.

After piling more misery on Tottenham last weekend , the Gunners are once again five points clear at the summit. City can reduce the gap to two points once again if they beat Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday before Arsenal host Chelsea on Sunday.

Crucially, City have a game in hand on their rivals. The two also meet at the Etihad in late April on what could be a defining afternoon in the title race. Before that, they will also collide in the Carabao Cup final for the first silverware of the season in a contest that could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

Arsenal have been here before and ended the season devastated and empty-handed. Nervous draws against Brentford and Wolves demonstrated there will be off days while injuries to key personnel at this stage can make or break the season.

For now, Mikel Arteta and his squad have their fate in their own hands. Keep winning and a first title in 22 years beckons.

Gunners legend Parlour was part of the last squad to lift the trophy in 2004, one of three he won under Arsene Wenger, and believes a favourable run-in for his old side should see them over the line – even if they have to wait until the last day of the season.

Sitting down with Metro this week courtesy of BetMGM , Parlour gave his predictions for each of Arsenal’s remaining league games this season.

Arsenal swept aside Tottenham in the north London derby (Picture: Getty)

Arteta will hope there is plenty more to celebrate this season (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal still fighting on four fronts (Picture: Getty)

First things first, Arsenal have to take care of business against the Blues on Sunday.

Arsenal and Chelsea have met three times this season with the Gunners dumping their London rivals out of the Carabao Cup across two legs.

Chelsea’s only defeats under Liam Rosenior came in those games but there has been plenty of fight shown, coming from behind in the league and in Europe against West Ham United and Chelsea.

Parlour believes the midfield battle will be key where Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo will do battle but believes Chelsea’s inconsistent streak – coupled with doubts over goalkeeper Robert Sanchez – could be their undoing.

Chelsea have not won in three meetings against Arsenal this season (Picture: Getty)

‘Arsenal are coming off a really good result against Tottenham but you have to be wary of Chelsea because they have quality players,’ Parlour said.

‘Midfield is going to be very important as usual, they have Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer who can be so dangerous. In wide areas they are dangerous too and Joao Pedro is in really good form up top.