Chris Sutton has made his prediction for the FA Cup clash (Picture: BT Sport)
Chris Sutton has delivered his prediction as Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal prepare to meet in the FA Cup.
Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium on Friday night looking to progress to the fifth round at the expense of Man City.
Just five points separates Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, with the Gunners seeking their first league title since 2004 and City bidding to defend their crown.
The two teams are yet to meet in the Premier League this season and Sutton expects Man City to ‘edge’ their first encounter in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
‘This is a brilliant tie to get the fourth round started and it is going to be interesting to see how both managers approach it, because they meet again in the Premier League in the middle of February,’ Sutton told BBC Sport.
‘City boss Pep Guardiola always selects strong teams in the domestic cups, but we don’t know how big Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will go, given his side’s position at the top of the table.
‘The FA Cup clearly won’t be Arteta’s priority, but his side have got so much momentum at the moment while City are still not at their fluid best.
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‘I am sure it will be all smiles between the pair of them beforehand, because Arteta was one of Guardiola’s assistants at City before taking the Gunners job, but this is going to be a fiercely fought contest – which I think City will edge 2-1.’
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has said Mikel Arteta had a ‘great, massive influence’ on him before he left his role as his Manchester City assistant to join Arsenal.
‘I had the feeling, we knew it when he was here, about his ability for City,’ Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.
‘I don’t know my part on him but his influence on me was great, massive, so important in becoming a better manager. If I had left, Mikel would be here and he would be the best, absolutely.
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‘I am not a guy to say, “no, you have to stay with me”. Everyone has dreams. We felt if one team could offer him the chance to be manager he would leave.
‘I know he went to “his” club, the team he dreams of. He’s a supporter, for the fact he played there, he was a captain there. He loves the club.
‘I remember when we were together here, when we scored goals, he’d jump a lot and celebrate – except against one team, Arsenal.
‘People have to fly when they believe it is the best. Life is too short. Spend time in a place you believe suits you better.’
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The title rivals meet at the Etihad…
