Arsenal Legend Says Club Will Miss Alex Song More Than Van Persie

Arsenal legend Paul Merson is more optimistic about the club's prospects this season, as is fellow Sky pundit Charlie Nicholas. Merson says that he is more worried, however, about the possible loss of Alex Song than Robin Van Persie, who he says can be replaced.

It's back - and so are the Premier League title predictions.

And the Gillette Soccer Saturday pundits have already given their views:

Matthew Le Tissier is going for Manchester City, as is Paul Merson. Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas go for Manchester United.

Nicholas says that he feels more confident about Arsenal's prospects this season, and that a Top 4 finish should be expected. Merson said that he, too, is more optimistic about Arsenal this term, although he is worried about the possible loss of Alex Song, who he feels will be more difficult to replace than Robin Van Persie.

Phil Thompson says that Liverpool should have a better season this term, with few problems both on and off the park. Having said that, Thompson says he believes the team will finish just outside the Top 4.

Finally, Le Tissier remains confident that Southampton will retain their Premier League status this term, and believes that the club will have bigger aspirations than mere survival.