Merson: Atletico draw a nightmare

Atletico have twice claimed the title, and are the bookmakers' favourites to do so again this year. Former Arsenal star Merson spoke to 'Premier League Daily' to voice his concerns that Atleti will outperform Arsenal.

He said: ''Atletico are not a team that are going to blow you away - they'll suffocate you more than anything and nick a goal. But I just think over two legs they can play the Atletico Madrid way and the manager's way it will be hard.''

Merson added that: ''If it was a one-off game in the cup final, Arsenal would have had a chance but I just watch this team and I think they'll have too much for Arsenal.''

Ryan Mason, the former Spurs midfielder, echoed Merson's fears, he said: ''That's the worst possible draw for Arsenal...To beat them [Atletico] over the course of two legs, that's going to be very, very difficult for them and that's the toughest draw.''

Given the supporter and pundit reactions to drawing Atletico, Arsenal's hopes at reaching the Europa League final are looking somewhat unlikely.