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The Premier League title race could be decided when Arsenal face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Alan Shearer and Paul Merson reckon that Manchester City will defeat Arsenal this weekend. The Gunners will look to restore their lead at the top of the Premier League when they lock horns with Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal conceded ground in the title race last weekend following a disappointing defeat to Bournemouth. Alex Scott fired the Cherries to a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium before Pep Guardiola's side enjoyed a 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Although the Gunners have a six-point cushion, Manchester City could leapfrog them and claim first place if they bank three points this weekend and win their game in hand. Meanwhile, Arsenal could restore their nine-point advantage and put one hand on the Premier League trophy.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer claimed that the Citizens could blow Mikel Arteta's side away. The former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers striker said: "The whole season effectively comes down to this game.
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"I think it's huge and the biggest game of the season for both clubs. Confidence and momentum is such a big thing, which is why I'm going to say a Man City home win.
"I think the belief they'll get from beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and the performances of the last couple of weeks. I think a draw would be a good result for Arsenal, but I think City might have too much for them.
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"Arteta knows there's been no panic from Pep, has there? It's always been pretty consistent, and they always come good at this time of the year, and it looks as if they are.
"They've won their first trophy and could even end up getting the treble. I just think with the momentum that they've got and the confidence that they've got, I think they might have too much.
"It'd be really interesting to see what Arsenal do, whether they sort of sit back or try to take the game to City, but I think City might just have too much for them."
Merson also backed Manchester City to win on Sunday afternoon. In a column for Sportskeeda, the Arsenal legend said: "It's just unbelievable how it has all turned around. Absolutely mind-blowing to say the least! You just look at it and go, 'wow'.
"In hindsight, you can't see anything but a Manchester City win. I saw Arsenal in the first 15 minutes against Sporting in the Champions League and told my boy it would be 0-0. You just can't see them scoring!
"Defensively, Arsenal are solid. If they don't lose this game, they win the league. For City, though, a draw is no good. They must win. I can't see Arsenal winning all their remaining games if they lose to City on Sunday.
"It's hard to watch Arsenal at the moment. But the players need to look at the bright side of it. If they beat City, the league is done, and they win it. That is how they must think about this game.
"If Arsenal go to the Etihad, sit behind the ball, absorb all the pressure and try to play for a draw, they will get destroyed by City! Even if they have a go and lose the game, it at least gives them confidence.
"Imagine if they sit behind the ball and lose 1-0? I don't think it does any good for their confidence. Mikel Arteta is the only person who can tell if he's asking these players to play in a certain way or are they actually going into their shells due to the pressure.
"Apart from Declan Rice, I don't see anyone else being expressive on the pitch. There is no pace in that team, no urgency, no desire to get inside the box. They look nervous and what a bad time to be that way.
"I don't know what Arsenal turn up for this game. They need to take the game to City here. I'm desperately trying to make a case for Arsenal, but I'm finding it extremely hard to do so. My heart says draw, but my head says Manchester City win.
"Football is so unpredictable and Arsenal will be hoping this game goes in their favour against all odds. But the way they've been playing is a big concern. Prediction: Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal."
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