‘Man City will lose points’

Arsenal have been backed to increase their Premier League lead over Manchester City ahead of the two’s confrontation in a potentially title-clinching clash.

The Gunners lead the standings with an impressive seven points thanks to a 4-2 away win at Brighton, while City drew 1-1 with Everton at home.

Goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli extended the Gunners’ winning streak to a league-best five games, with the team showing no signs of post-World Cup struggles.

That form has continued without key summer signing Gabriel Jesus, while Man City have a well-rested and on-fire Erling Haaland but are still dropping points.

And in the eyes of former Chelsea and Ireland striker Tony Cascarino, things are only getting more complicated for Pep Guardiola’s men.

He explained: “Both clubs have tough games but Man City are now if you review their next seven games which takes you to mid-February against Arsenal away…I’ll give you five of their seven games.

“Chelsea away, Man United away, Spurs home, Spurs away, Arsenal away. Five of the next seven matches for Man City!

“Now I know Man City can make great runs and beat all kinds of teams, but these teams are all motivated, they are all teams which means they will have to be at their best, I think they will lose points over this period.

Home games against Wolves and Aston Villa are also in City’s seven-game league race, with both sides looking like tougher outfits under new Spain managers Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s preparation for City’s February 15 showdown includes draws against traditional ‘Big Six’ sides Tottenham away and Manchester United at home, as well as a very difficult against Newcastle then.