Ex-Manchester City and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna says going five points clear of the Gunners so early on in the season would be a big boost for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Sagna’s two former teams go head to head at the Etihad on Sunday evening and, speaking to Paddy Power, Sagna said that the Cityzens will be keen to extend the gap at the top of the table:
“Manchester City vs Arsenal is already a turning point in the season – going five points clear after four or five games would be great.”
“They will be full of confidence and attack the games after that with some comfort. Going five points clear won’t make them relax though – they’ll try and capitalise on that and will try and increase that lead even more. It’s an important game, but Manchester City are one of the best teams.”
City will be without one of their key players
Securing the three points this weekend will be made tougher by the fact that playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is not expected to face Arsenal.
The Belgian international was taken off at half-time during the 0-0 draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night with a groin injury.
Who is the favourite to win between City and Arsenal?
Paddy Power has made Guardiola’s team odds-on at 4/5 to grab the win this weekend, with the Gunners regarded as outsiders at 7/2. A draw is currently priced at 12/5.
As the home side, it is not a surprise that City are deemed favourites, but the absence of both De Bruyne and Arsenal’s talisman Martin Odegaard means this could be a very tight affair.
With the two best playmakers unavailable, it is possible that there will be a repeat of last season’s 0-0 draw.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
