Merson Writes Off City Hopes  (Sky Sports)

Paul Merson believes Manchester City will struggle to retain their Premier League title and thinks Manchester United will miss out on a Champions League place.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men have stuttered of late and defeat at Liverpool at the weekend left City five points behind Chelsea, having played a game more.

Both sides earned three points on Wednesday night, but it was Chelsea's 1-0 success at West Ham that helped convince Merson that the title is heading south.

“I don’t think City have much of a chance,” Merson told Sky Sports News HQ. “They are not playing well.

“They rode their luck against Leicester, who should have had two stonewall penalties. Chelsea are a good, good team, and I’d be shocked if Chelsea threw this away.

“Chelsea have some tough matches coming up, and if City can win their next six, then they are in with a chance.

“But that was a big win at West Ham (for Chelsea).”

Merson also insisted that his former club Arsenal have the experience to finish third, while predicting heartache for Manchester United fans in their quest to return to the Champions League.

“Arsenal do it every year. When things get really tight at the end, they always finish well,” Merson added.

“After that, I think Liverpool will finish above Man United, they are flying at the moment. Daniel Sturridge is back and will be fresh for the final 10 games.

“That makes a massive difference.”