Patrice Evra does not believe Manchester City will earn a win over Arsenal in their fourth-round FA Cup clash at the Etihad on Friday.
He believes a replay will be required to separate the sides in what is set to be a psychological test for the Gunners ahead of their Premier League meetings with their title rivals.
Arsenal currently head the table by five points having played a game fewer than second-placed City. This is the first time the pair meet this season after October’s league encounter was postponed amid the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
READ MORE: Riyad Mahrez explains reason behind form
Both teams are expected to field strong sides for the cup tie but Evra feels City will not have enough to see themselves to a win on the night. Chris Sutton disagrees and thinks the hosts can get one over the Gunners in a tightly contested battle.
Patrice Evra (Betfair)
"Psychologically, it will have a massive impact for whoever wins this match, but it doesn't mean they will win the league. For Arsenal, they have to believe that nothing is going to stop them.
"If Arsenal win this game and their players don't leave the Etihad thinking they're going to win the league, then they will need to change jobs. This is the last challenge for them. If they win then people will give them credit, and call them the real deal.
"Arsenal won't struggle right now, but in the last five games of the season. The heat isn't on them now though, the heat will come in the last five games.
"Arsenal play good football, but they will have to keep Haaland quiet. This is a tough one to predict. I think we will see a beautiful game, I can see goals because both defences aren't amazing. It's the master vs the student and they know each other. I can see this being a draw."
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal.
Chris Sutton (BBC Sport)
"This is a brilliant tie to get the fourth round started and it is going to be interesting to see how both managers approach it, because they meet again in the Premier League in the middle of February.
"City boss Pep Guardiola always selects strong teams in the domestic cups, but we don't know how big Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will go, given his side's position at the top of the table.
"The FA Cup clearly won't be Arteta's priority, but his side have got so much momentum at the moment while City are still not at their fluid best.
"I am sure it will be all smiles between the pair of them beforehand, because Arteta was one of Guardiola's assistants at City before taking the Gunners job, but this is going to be a fiercely fought contest - which I think City will edge."
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
Find the Footballs on the MEN website and you could win £1,000. To find out more and register to play for FREE, click here.
READ NEXT:
