Manchester City are preparing for their biggest game of the season so far against Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side have cut the gap to just five points at the top, and are now smelling blood after the Gunners have faltered.
Mikel Arteta’s team have drawn their last three games in the Premier League.
It would seem their lack of experience in leading the pack at this point in the season is getting to them.
Wednesday’s game is being billed as a title-decider.
Many feel as though a City victory would mean curtains for Arsenal’s title challenge. That would be easy to say given City’s form, and experience in finishing seasons strongly.
But Arsenal are a great side and are where they are on merit.
They’ve hit some bumps in the road in recent weeks. But they will be massively up for this game to send a huge message.
Anything could happen on Wednesday. But in the eyes of BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton, City will run out comfortable 3-1 winners.
He said (via BBC Sport): “I am very confident with my prediction for this game – the only thing I wasn’t sure about was whether Arsenal would score.
“The Gunners are playing this match at one of the worst possible moments because City have found their rhythm and are hitting some incredible form.
“I really hope Arsenal are brave and take the game to City because the Gunners’ attack is their strength, but in many ways that will play into the home side’s hands.
“Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus – on his return to Etihad Stadium – will all carry a threat, but we have seen how vulnerable they are at the back in the past few weeks, and how on earth do you stop Erling Haaland and co?
“If, say, Nathan Ake is out injured then that will hamper City a bit. But I still see Pep Guardiola’s side really dominating the game, and they are absolutely relentless when they come forward.”
Paul Merson also talked about the injury to Ake, believing he could be a big miss for City tomorrow night.
Chris Sutton prediction is bold, but Man City are in a great moment to beat Arsenal convincingly
City are certainly in a great moment right now.
Everything is coming together at the right time and there is not one aspect of the team that looks weak right now.
It is going to take a monumental effort from Arsenal to get a result at the Etihad, which will be rocking.
They will be wanting start quickly, and City must not allow that.
Guardiola’s side must apply the pressure right from the off and be clinical when the opportunities arise.
