Roy Keane is adamant Arsenal will face a significant setback to their Premier League ambitions by losing to title contenders Manchester City.
The Gunners are top of the table, tied on points with Liverpool and one ahead of Man City, with ten games left in the 2023-24 season.
If Arsenal win at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, they will move four points ahead of the defending champions, but a home victory would see Pep Guardiola’s side overtake the Gunners as they pursue a fourth successive league title.
The Gunners, aiming to become English champions for the first time since 2004, were defeated 4-1 in this fixture last season but did defeated Manchester City at home earlier in the year.
Despite Arsenal’s impressive form – Mikel Arteta’s side have won 20 of their 28 league games this term – Keane cannot see them getting anything at the Etihad against a Man City side who have their sights set on back-to-back trebles.
‘This is big boy stuff now,’ the former Manchester United captain said on The Overlap. ‘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.’
Keane revealed his prediction for the Premier League title showdown next to Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who is much more optimistic about his former club’s chances.
‘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.’
Liverpool sit between Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League table and are looking to win the title in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.
A draw at the Etihad would arguably be the best result from Liverpool’s point of view but Jamie Carragher also sees positives in a Man City or Arsenal win.
Asked if he wants Arsenal to win to dent Man City’s hopes, the Liverpool hero 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.
‘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.'
While everyone will be watching the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Liverpool will play against Brighton earlier in the day.
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