Ex-Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has delivered his prediction ahead of his two former side's meeting on Wednesday evening.
The north London outfit are currently first in the standings, three points above second-placed City, who have played an extra league match this term. Ahead of the crucial clash at the Emirates Stadium, Sagna has given his thoughts on how the game will pan out, claiming that an exciting draw is the most likely outcome.
Speaking to Premier League Odds, the Frenchman said: "I see Arsenal bouncing back from the FA Cup game, they'll put pressure on Manchester City and will want to extend their point gap. The fans will support the team from the start all the way to the end because they know the importance of the game.
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"There's more pressure on Arsenal than Manchester City because they are top of the league. Manchester City will try to keep the possession of the ball, but Arsenal have the speed and quality to give them pressure.
"Both coaches will know how each one wants to play, tactically it will be very interesting. I think it will be 2-2, which suits Arsenal."
He added: "I still think Arsenal will win the Premier League, but Manchester City are the team to beat. Any player who plays against Manchester City wants to show how good they are by beating them, it's almost like a cup final every game.
"Teams are more scared about Arsenal this season too, Manchester City can be beaten on the counterattack. The way teams play Manchester City, they sit back and expect them to be beaten."
Some Arsenal fans have been urging Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to drop Gabriel Martinelli in favour of the in-form Leandro Trossard, who scored his first goal for the north London club over the weekend. However, Sagna has backed Martinelli, claiming that the Brazilian's speed could be vital against Pep Guardiola's side.
"I would still start Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal in the first team, his skills, speed and finishing are a real treat to watch," Sagna said. "He will be a key solution to playing against Manchester City because their centre-backs are not the fastest, Arsenal need to use his speed and keep Leandro Trossard on the bench."
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