Pep Guardiola’s squad has outperformed Arsenal in the Premier League for the past two seasons, but this year the scenario is different.
City have not been performing at their usual high standards this season. They currently sit in fourth place, trailing Arsenal by six points. ..Continue Reading
Mikel Arteta has a chance to widen that gap to nine points on Sunday.
Arsenal have remained unbeaten in their last four encounters with Manchester City.
The Gunners have managed to secure draws in their previous two visits to the Etihad, and they clinched a 1-0 victory when City visited the Emirates Stadium last season. Arsenal also triumphed in the Community Shield in their prior meeting.
Arteta is aware that a victory against his former club is essential if Arsenal are to keep pace with Liverpool.
Pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have both shared their predictions for the game, and they are in complete agreement about the outcome.
Merson wrote on Sportskeeda: “If Liverpool draw or lose, then it is perfectly set up for Arsenal to open up the title race. The crowd at the Emirates will be buzzing and they will demand nothing but a win against Manchester City.
“Let’s not forget that the pressure is always mounting on Arsenal with every passing week. They had to beat Aston Villa after Liverpool won late against Brentford and they ended up blowing a two-goal lead!
“Arsenal still have an advantage here because I don’t think Manchester City are back to their best yet. They may have improved results-wise, but are they ready to trouble Arsenal? I’m not entirely sure.”
Merson’s prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City
Sutton wrote on BBC Sport: “This is a huge game for the Gunners – in the past couple of seasons it has been a title decider when they’ve played Manchester City but this time only Arsenal’s title hopes are on the line.
“City have improved of late but I still look at them and think they are going to concede a goal, as Club Brugge showed on Wednesday. It was a great game when these two met earlier in the season and Leandro Trossard was sent off in a 2-2 draw. The readers will probably go for a 1-1 draw this time, I reckon, but I am going to pick a winner.
“It is the Gunners who I see taking this, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a set-piece proves crucial. Let’s hope City striker Erling Haaland can ‘stay humble’ if his team do end up being beaten.”
Sutton’s prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City
Arsenal have missed several opportunities to capitalize on Liverpool’s recent slip-ups. This has resulted in Arne Slot’s team being six points clear of the Gunners, even with a game in hand.
This weekend, Liverpool face a tough challenge. They are set to play Bournemouth away. The Cherries have an impressive unbeaten streak of 11 Premier League games, which is remarkable.
Andoni Iraola’s side has already defeated some big teams this season, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they manage to overcome Liverpool this weekend.
Should that happen, Arsenal must secure a win against Manchester City to take advantage of the situation.
