Jamie Carragher advises Arsenal to beat Man City with home advantage and hopes it will kick-start a fierce title race… as he claims Pep Guardiola’s men will struggle with the absence of a ‘big player “
- Jamie Carragher backed Arsenal to defeat Man City in their Sunday clash
- The expert added that the three-time winners would suffer from the unavailability of a key player.
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ” Everything starts ! »
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Jamie Carragher has backed Arsenal to emerge victorious when they host Manchester City on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the Citizens all the way last season, topping the table for 248 days before being pipped to the post as City secured a historic treble.
Heavy favorites to retain their Premier League title for a fourth successive season this campaign, City have moved to the top of the league as the only team with a perfect record after six games.
However, the club’s momentum was halted last week as Wolves defied the odds to defeat Pep Guardiola’s side at Molineux, giving Arsenal the opportunity to leapfrog them in the table if they secured three points in the Emirates on Sunday.
Speaking on Aerial sportsCarragher insisted a combination of home advantage for the Gunners and City without midfield anchor Rodri tipped the scales in the hosts’ favour.
Jamie Carragher backed Arsenal to beat Man City on Sunday and kick off the title race this season
Carragher added that City would struggle without midfield pivot Rodri, who is suspended after being sent off in their win over Nottingham Forest.
Man City looking to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title after winning the treble
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“I’m going to go for Arsenal,” Carragher said.
“I think Arsenal could do it well with home advantage and with Rodri not playing, who is a huge player for Manchester City. So I will go with Arsenal.
The Spain international is currently serving a three-match ban after being sent off for violent conduct following a clash with Morgan Gibbs-White during City’s win over Nottingham Forest.
Carragher added that the Gunners’ victory could prove to be the driving force behind this season’s title race.
“It will hopefully give us a title race by the end of the season, because we can’t afford that, as neutrals I think we want this title race to last as long as possible.”
“Last season it was, it was brilliant between Arsenal and Manchester City, but we don’t want City to be so far ahead at Christmas and New Year that the other teams lose confidence.
Arsenal last beat City in the Premier League in 2015, thanks to goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud.
Arsenal beat the Citizens in their Community Shield clash at Wembley in August
“It’s not great for the league. I hope Arsenal can get all three points.
History, however, is not on Arsenal’s side when it comes to facing City in the Premier League.
The Gunners have lost their last twelve games against the club, conceding 33 and scoring just five goals in that period.
Arsène Wenger was in charge the last time they beat the opposition on Sunday, with first-half goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud enough to secure a 2-1 victory in December 2015.
