Pep Guardiola is expecting a "big battle" for his Manchester City team against Arsenal as the two Premier League title rivals prepare to clash on Wednesday. City are now just three points off the Gunners after taking advantage of Mikel Arteta's men dropping points against Brentford with a commanding win against Aston Villa.
A better goal difference for the reigning champions would mean a win at Emirates Stadium places them at the top of the league for the first time this season and Guardiola seems to already have the psychological advantage over his former City assistant coach.
The two teams met in the FA Cup fourth round at the end of January where Nathan Ake scored the only goal of the game to take City through. As for Premier League outings, the two teams are yet to face each other after the death of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II saw Arsenal's Europa League game against PSV postponed and then rescheduled in the mid-week Arsenal were supposed to play City.
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With the game moved to February and now just over 24 hours from being contested. Guardiola under took his pre-match Arsenal press conference where he listed a number of qualities the current league leaders have that have "so far" made them the best team in the Premier League.
"So far they are the best team in the Premier League," he said. "We felt it a couple of weeks ago. The commitment, they are sharp. It will be a big, big battle. In the departments, you have to be ready."
Arguably the important part of that quote is the first two words, with the City boss seemingly sending a subtle reminder that with 16 games left to play for most teams, the season is not over yet.
Surprisingly, when compared to their displays in recent seasons, City have been inconsistent this campaign. After relatively comfortable wins over Chelsea and Wolves, City lost the two following games to Manchester United and Tottenham, respectively.
A first-half blitz of goals against Villa seemed to indicate City are edging closer to being back at their best, but Guardiola has firmly dismissed those claims. "I do not truly believe one week ago we are out of form and now we're back in form," he said.
"Every game is different, you can play good and win and everything is perfect but tomorrow you could lose. Many games to play. Tomorrow is an important one, everyone knows it, and we'll try to do our best."
City top scorer Erling Haaland is a major doubt for the game after being taken off at half time of the clash with Villa because of a thigh injury. Understandably Guardiola was specifically asked about Haaland's fitness and was non-committal. He said: "We train this afternoon. Right now I don’t know. Yesterday was about recovery from Aston Villa. That’s all."
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