Ex-Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna is expecting his former clubs to share the spoils when the two sides face each other at the Etihad this weekend.
Speaking to Paddy Power, Sagna said that City could be left “exposed” at the back and he feels that Mikel Arteta’s side have the pace to exploit any holes in their defence:
“I can see Manchester City and Arsenal drawing at the Etihad. At home, Manchester City tend to be exposed because they attack so much that they leave themselves open to the counterattack and we know how fast Arsenal’s players are.”
“It’s a strength to attack so much because they can put any team under pressure, but Arsenal can also put pressure on teams, so I think it’ll be a draw.”
City have looked vulnerable at the back this season
The reigning champions have conceded 28 times in 28 games, which may not seem like a poor record, but there have been numerous occasions this campaign where their defence hasn’t looked watertight.
They drew 4-4 away at Chelsea, as well as conceding three at home to Tottenham in another stalemate back in December. It should be pointed out, though, that they have improved things at the back since the start of the New Year.
Arsenal’s chances will depend on the availability of 3 key players
The Gunners are sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel heading into Sunday’s game. All three are struggling with injuries and their absence would be keenly felt if they are not in the starting lineup.
Saka has a minor hamstring strain, Martinelli is struggling with a foot injury while Gabriel has a sore Achilles tendon. We will find out more about whether they will feature this weekend when Arteta hosts his pre-match press conference on Friday.
