Paul Merson makes Arsenal vs Manchester City result prediction as ‘big disadvantage’ claim made

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Arsenal and Manchester City lock horns this weekend in another big early-season Premier League game.

Arsenal will be facing Manchester City not long after having played Manchester United and Liverpool, but they will fancy their chances as they are in good form.

However, Man City have also turned a corner, hammering Man United 3-0 last weekend and following it up with a 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League.

Paul Merson has now predicted the result of the big game at the Emirates Stadium as he spoke of a “big disadvantage” which has impacted on one of the teams.

Paul Merson says Manchester City are at a ‘big disadvantage’ due to their Thursday night fixture

With both Arsenal and City having been in Champions League action in midweek, Merson thinks Man City are at a disadvantage due to their Thursday game.

In addition, Merson said he has been impressed by Arsenal’s quality and claimed they should have too much for their opponents at N5, predicting a 3-1 home win.

“I’ve been impressed with Arsenal, they looked very good against Nottingham Forest and in the Champions League,” Merson wrote on Sportskeeda.

“Manchester City also won last weekend, but if Manchester United had the quality that Arsenal possess, they could have been in trouble!

“City (had) to face Napoli on Thursday night. That is a big disadvantage if you ask me.

“Arsenal would have had more time to prepare, having played – and won – on Tuesday. So I’d be surprised if Arsenal lose this game.”

Merson concluded: “I still think top teams can hurt City and Arsenal are a really good side. I expect a win for the hosts at the Emirates.”

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Arsenal vs Manchester City team news

Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Ben White remain doubts ahead of Sunday’s 4:30pm kick-off in North London.

Asked whether they will play against City, Mikel Arteta told reporters on Friday: “If there is a chance, it will be after tomorrow’s sessions because they haven’t done anything yet.”

William Saliba also remains a doubt, but Arteta confirmed Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres are available after suffering head injuries against Athletic Bilbao in midweek.

Meanwhile, Rodri is a doubt for Man City after he asked to be substituted in the win over Napoli due to feeling uncomfortable.

Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Mateo Kovacic remain unavailable for the Citizens.