Manchester City host Arsenal today in a match which stands to decide the Premier League title race.
Should Pep Guardiola’s side win this match and their game in hand, they will go level on points with the Gunners in the late stages of the run-in.
Drop points, though, and Arsenal will have one hand on the title.
Naturally, the experts have been weighing in ahead of what is sure to be a fascinating tie, with City in fine form as they chase down this ailing Arsenal.
Here is how the game’s greatest minds think today’s action will play out...
Paul Scholes
“I think City will win easily. Just comfortable. Unless they get someone sent off or something stupid. I think they’ll win comfortably. Two or three [nil].”
Gary Neville
“I think it’s going to be a draw on Sunday and I think it’ll be 1-1.
“I do think Declan Rice (can be a difference-maker). When he went to Arsenal for £100 million, I was gutted. I think he’s a Manchester United player.
“He’s the player, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, that Manchester United would have always signed back in the day. You don’t let Declan Rice go to any other club.
“To me, on Sunday, he is the player I am looking at. This is not me putting pressure on him, by the way. This is me expecting that this is the Roy Keane moment, the Gerrard moment.”
Paul Merson
“Manchester City are the favourites to win the Premier League if they beat Arsenal on Sunday, 100 per cent. It’s in their hands now because Arsenal did not play well at all against Bournemouth.
“If City win on Sunday, they will beat Burnley next week and before you know it, they are at the top of the table with five games to go.
“The way Arsenal are playing now, I can’t seem them winning all their remaining games, should they lose to City.
“I don’t know what Arsenal turn up for this game. They need to take the game to City here. I’m desperately trying to make a case for Arsenal, but I’m finding it extremely hard to do so.
“My heart says draw, but my head says Manchester City win. Football is so unpredictable and Arsenal will be hoping this game goes in their favour against all odds. But the way they’ve been playing is a big concern.”
Alan Shearer
“Confidence and momentum is such a big thing, which is why I’m going to say a Man City home win. I think the belief they’ll get from beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and the performances of the last couple of weeks.
“I think a draw would be a good result for Arsenal, but I think City might have too much for them. Arteta knows there’s been no panic from Pep, has there?
“It’s always been pretty consistent, and they always cone good at this time of the year, and it looks as if they are. They’ve won their first trophy and could even end up getting the treble.
“I just think with the momentum that they’ve got and the confidence that they’ve got, I think they might have too much.”
