Harry Redknapp has made his prediction for the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Gunners are currently top of the league standings on goal difference to Liverpool following an eight-match winning streak. City are only one point behind the duo and it promises to be an entertaining end to the title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side travel to the Etihad to face the Cityzens this weekend and ahead of the game, Redknapp has made his prediction.
The former Premier League manager said that City tend to step up their performances during the season run-in and a victory over the Gunners on Sunday would make them strong contenders to win the league once more.
He said in an interview on Thursday: “What a game this is. It’s usually around this point of the season that Manchester City really turn it on and go up a gear, can they do that this year? A win here, and I think they’re the team to beat once again.”
Arsenal have been in fantastic league form since the turn of the year, but Redknapp does not feel he can trust them on the back of last season where they were in a similar position, but could not beat the Cityzens at the Etihad.
He added: “As for Arsenal, it’s all been building towards this game. The form recently has been just fantastic, so many goals, so many lads playing well. That being said, they were in a similar spot last season, and they couldn’t get the job done in the games against City. Do this side have the belief that they can go to City and get the job done?”
“I just don’t know if I’m ready to trust this Arsenal side. City and Pep Guardiola just know how to win these big games, they’ve been doing it for years. The crowd will be up for it, the big players will be up for it, and I think they’ll get the win. Who knows though, I can’t wait!”
Redknapp believes Erling Braut Haaland could be the player to watch out for. The Norwegian star has not been at his best recently, but the 77-year-old feels the the striker could turn up for the big occasion.
He concluded: “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think City need more from Erling Haaland. He’s still scoring at a fantastic rate, but he’s not quite looked at his best recently. As I always say though, big players make the difference in the big games.”
Arsenal start as underdogs against Man City
Arsenal have had a dreadful Premier League record against City since late 2017. They have suffered 12 league defeats during this period with a solitary win which came at the Emirates Stadium this campaign.
It was a cagey affair where Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected goal in the 86th minute proved the difference between the sides. City went into that game without Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne due to suspension and injury respectively.
Both players are expected to be involved from the off on Sunday. The Gunners will start the game as underdogs despite being the table-toppers. They can make a huge statement by beating the holders on the road.
On the other hand, Pep Guardiola’s side could strengthen their bid for a fourth successive English crown with a win. They have dominated the Gunners at home recently with an average of three goals per game.
It won’t be a straightforward contest for either club. A stalemate won’t be a bad result, but both teams will be aiming to stamp their authority in the title race with a victory to keep up the pressure on Liverpool.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
