Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is predicting a stalemate when Arsenal take on Manchester City this weekend.
Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said that the home side would be favourites if they had a full-strength team but, if that’s not the case, he believes the Gunners will get a draw:
“I know plenty of people fancy Arsenal to finally go to the Etihad and get a great result, but a fully fit City are about as tough as they come. If you’re a Liverpool fan, you’d want Arsenal to win this one, because City’s fixtures get ridiculously favourable after this match. I think they’ll go on and win another treble if they beat the Gunners this weekend.”
“This is the match of the weekend. The goal difference between the two sides is massive right now. If Arsenal win this game, they go four points clear of City and with that goal difference, it could prove to be decisive in the title race. Both teams are evenly matched at the moment, however, and we could see a draw in this match.”
Merson has gone with a 1-1 draw which will be an improvement on Arsenal’s previous visits to the Etihad. The last time they won at the ground was all the way back in 2015, before Pep Guardiola’s arrival in English football.
City could be without at least two important players
Kyle Walker and John Stones did not return to training on Thursday, prompting speculation that they won’t be available for Sunday’s match.
Walker injured his hamstring playing for England against Brazil, while Stones sustained an adductor injury versus Belgium. There are also question marks over the fitness of Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji and Matheus Nunes.
