Kevin De Bruyne can break the deadlock (Picture: Getty Images)
MANCHESTER City are like a shark smelling blood – they know they’re the predators, not the prey, and they are going in for the kill.
Second in the Premier League table, they are five points behind leaders Arsenal but crucially have two games in hand and host their rivals on Wednesday.
Experienced City, chasing a fifth title in six years and with FA Cup and Champions League silverware also in their sights, can take pressure in their stride.
They’ve won 11 of their last 12 outings and 13 of 15 home league games this season.
What’s more, it is eight years since they last lost to Arsenal in the league and in their six home wins against them under Pep Guardiola’s management they’ve scored 17 goals while conceding just three.
City have also already posted a 1-0 FA Cup victory at the Etihad Stadium and a 3-1 league triumph in north London this year.
Some will say their pursuit of the Treble will leave them exhausted but Pep rested five starters for Saturday’s 3-0 FA Cup semi-final stroll against Sheffield United at Wembley.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta will demand an epic performance from Arsenal in the critical match at the Etihad Stadium.
The trouble is he called for a huge response after the Gunners threw away two-goal leads at Liverpool and West Ham and all he got was a third straight draw when they were held to a 3-3 draw by bottom club Southampton at the Emirates.
And a defence which conceded seven goals as Arsenal dropped six precious points doesn’t look capable of stopping the majestic Erling Haaland, who has scored 32 goals in the Premier League and 48 in all competitions.
Erling Haaland means business (Picture: Getty Images)
He is 12/5 with Betfair to add to his tally with the opening goal and may well breach the visiting defence at some stage in the unmissable match.
But preference goes to Kevin De Bruyne at 11/1 with BoyleSports. He scored an absolute corker at the Emirates and can improve his tally to seven goals in 14 league games for City against the Gunners.
The brilliant Belgian is also worth a few quid to score at any time at 18/5 with William Hill.
City are no better than 3/5 to win with SpreadEx but we’ll happily take 7/5 with numerous firms, including Coral and Ladbrokes, for them to win by more than one goal.
A 3-1 home win should also rake in a healthy return at 12/1 with bet365.
• 3/1 West Ham to continue their improved form with a draw against Liverpool at the London Stadium (Betway)
• 3/1 Sheffield United -1 goal to beat West Brom at Bramall Lane (Betfred)
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City will be too strong for Arsenal in their title decider