Roy Keane has explained exactly what will happen in Arsenal’s top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City.
Arsenal sit at the Premier League summit, level on points with Liverpool and one above City with ten games remaining of the season.
The club will move four points clear of City, the defending champions with a victory at the Etihad Stadium, and be well on course to claiming the first Premier League crown in two decades.
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However, a home win would see Pep Guardiola’s side overtake the north Londoners and set themselves up for a fourth successive Premier League title.
Last term, then-league leaders Arsenal were thumped 4-1 at the Etihad, and Manchester United legend Keane can only see another City victory taking place on Sunday.
Speaking on Arsenal chances, Roy told the Stick to Football via Sky Bet podcast: “This is big boy stuff now. Arsenal are not winning there. Arsenal are not winning at Man City.
“I’m going 2-1 City. Arsenal aren’t winning there. You’re all getting kidded, I’m telling you.”
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However, Arsenal icon Ian Wright was far more optimistic about Mikel Arteta’s men’s fortunes.
“We’re going to beat them,” Wright said. “You know why I’m saying that? Because we have to beat them.
“Why should I not think we can win when we’ve got a great defensive record and we’re scoring goals? Why should I now go negative on our chances?
“I think Arsenal will win. We have to beat them, we have to go for it.”
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Liverpool are sandwiched between Arsenal and City in the Premier League table and looking to win the title in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield. While a draw at the Etihad would be the best-case scenario for the Merseyside club, Jamie Carragher also admitted to seeing positives in a City or Arsenal win.
Asked if he wants Arsenal to win to dent Man City’s hopes, the former Liverpool defender said: “Yes, but I think even if Man City lose that game on Sunday, they can still win the league. They can still win the league if they lose.
“I think if Arsenal get beat, I don’t see how they win the league. For Liverpool, surely you want City to lose but I actually think they could still win the league after that.
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“I don’t see Arsenal winning the league if they get beat. From Liverpool’s point of view then you’re only fighting against one team for the title.
“I know points-wise it won’t make much of a difference but I just think psychologically it would really affect Arsenal if City jump above them, especially as you’d expect Liverpool to beat Brighton at home and then they’re above Arsenal too. I think it would be tough for Arsenal to come back from that.”
Topics: Arsenal, Manchester City, Premier League, Roy Keane, Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Liverpool
Chris Byfield