Arsenal host Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, and Paul Merson has made his prediction ahead of the clash.
Mikel Arteta’s team beat Athletic Club in the Champions League on Tuesday, while City take on Napoli at the Etihad on Thursday.
This gives the Spaniard’s squad 48 hours more rest than the Citizens ahead of the showdown at the Emirates, and thus, the Gunners should come out fit and raring to go.
With a League Cup clash against Port Vale to come in midweek, Arteta will no doubt select his strongest possible team against Pep Guardiola’s side, and he has some selection headaches to consider.
Paul Merson makes Arsenal vs Manchester City prediction
Arsenal could be without Martin Odegaard for the visit of City, after the Norwegian was forced off with a shoulder injury against Nottingham Forest.
Bukayo Saka may also miss this clash, with the England international still recovering from a hamstring issue sustained prior to the international break.
Aside from these potential absences and long-term absentees, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arteta should have an almost fully fit squad to select from.
City cruised past their Manchester rivals, United, in their last league fixture, but Paul Merson is confident that Arsenal will beat Guardiola’s side.
“What a massive game coming our way on Sunday,” the pundit wrote for Sportskeeda.
“I’ve been impressed with Arsenal; they looked very good against Nottingham Forest and in the Champions League. Manchester City also won last weekend, but if Manchester United had the quality that Arsenal possess, they could have been in trouble!
“City have to face Napoli on Thursday night. That is a big disadvantage if you ask me. Arsenal would have had more time to prepare having played and won on Tuesday.
“So I’d be surprised if Arsenal lose this game. A win would make it two victories in three games for Arsenal against Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City in their first five games of the season, which is brilliant.
“I still think top teams can hurt City, and Arsenal are a really good side. I expect a win for the hosts at the Emirates.”
Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Manchester City
Paul Merson predicts who will start in Man City’s front three vs Arsenal
The game may ultimately come down to fine margins and how well Arsenal deal with City’s main attacking threats.
Erling Haaland has been in a rich vein of form leading up to this encounter, netting five league goals already this term.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku was electric against Manchester United, providing two assists in an accomplished display.
Merson has warned Arsenal of these threats, claiming these two players will start alongside Phil Foden in City’s front three.
“If Jeremy Doku can build on his performance against Manchester United, it will be a massive boost for Manchester City,” he wrote.
“In the past, Doku has struggled with his decision-making, but he was excellent in the derby win last weekend. I think it will be him, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland starting together again. But it also depends on what happens against Napoli.”
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