Bacary Sagna played for both Premier League title rivals (Picture: Sky Sports)

Bacary Sagna has made his prediction for the crucial Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester City and backed the Gunners to lift the title this season.

Arsenal and Man City – currently separated by just three points at the top of the table – meet for the first time in the league on Wednesday night at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side, who finished fifth last term, enjoyed a sensational first-half to the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, amassing 50 points from a possible 57.

But Arsenal suffered a shock defeat to Everton earlier in the month before failing to beat Brentford at home in their previous game before the title showdown against Manchester City.

Much has been made of Man City’s perceived struggles this season but Pep Guardiola’s team – who are bidding to win a fifth league title in six seasons – will move above Arsenal with victory at the Emirates.

Manchester City also lost in the league two weeks ago – slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham – but bounced back on Sunday with a routine victory over Aston Villa.

Asked for his prediction for the Premier League title showdown, Sagna – who played for both clubs – told Premier League Odds: ‘I see Arsenal bouncing back from the FA Cup game, they’ll put pressure on Manchester City and will want to extend their gap at the top of the table.

‘The fans will support the team from the start all the way to the end because they know the importance of the game.

‘There’s more pressure on Arsenal than Manchester City because they are top of the league. Manchester City will try to keep the possession of the ball, but Arsenal have the speed and quality to give them pressure.

‘Both coaches will know how each one wants to play, tactically it will be very interesting. I think it will be 2-2, which would suit Arsenal.’

Sagna made 284 appearances for Arsenal before joining Manchester City in 2014 and spending three seasons at the Etihad.

The former France defender has backed Arsenal to pip Man City to the Premier League title this season and disagrees with Gary Neville, who has suggested the Gunners could yet crumble and finish third.

‘I want to believe there’s enough experience and chemistry in the Arsenal squad to win the Premier League title,’ Sagna added.

‘It’s the first time in a while that Arsenal have a good team bonding and connection with the coach. The atmosphere at the stadium has been amazing from the start and I expect it to continue to the end.

‘I don’t think Arsenal will crumble like Gary Neville said. Arsenal can deal with the pressure, I remember when they played Manchester City last year and were the better team, but they lost.

‘This time they will need to focus from the beginning to the end. Manchester City can be world-class on their day and can win any game, so I’d never count them out.’

‘I want to believe there’s enough experience and chemistry in the Arsenal squad to win the Premier League title.

‘It’s the first time in a while that Arsenal have a good team bonding and connection with the coach. The atmosphere at the stadium has been amazing from the start and I expect it to continue to the end.

‘I don’t think Arsenal will crumble like Gary Neville said. Arsenal can deal with the pressure, I remember when they played Manchester City last year and were the better team, but they lost.

‘This time they will need to focus from the beginning to the end. Manchester City can be world-class on their day and can win any game, so I’d never count them out.’

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