BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson is expecting Manchester City to come away with a comfortable victory when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates this afternoon.
While Lawrenson believes that the Gunners have improved since the reverse fixture earlier this season, he still thinks that Pep Guardiola’s side will get the three points:
“As much as Arsenal have improved, and as good as their home record is – only Manchester City’s is better this season – there is still a huge gulf between these two sides. The difference is not going to be as big as it was when City beat the Gunners 5-0 at Etihad Stadium in August, but taking on the leaders is a heck of an ask for Arsenal’s young side. When I look at how City have been playing during their run of 10 straight league wins, I can only think this is going to be victory number 11.”
Lawrenson has gone with a 3-0 win, which is quite a bold prediction, considering Arsenal have only dropped five points at home all season.
Of course, City have shown they can go anywhere and get a result, so you would expect them to come out on top in this match, but will it be as plain sailing as Lawrenson claims?
Guardiola’s men will dominate the ball but they will have to be mindful of the Gunners on the counter-attack, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in good form. A City victory should still be expected, although it may be a tighter contest than some are predicting.
