Pundit Alan Shearer has revealed his predictions for this weekend’s match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad.
This weekend’s series of Premier League matches is the last before this month’s international break, and there could be major shake-ups in the title race in the coming days.
Arsenal have now won 12 of their last 13 games in all competitions and are six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Second-placed Man City are currently Arsenal’s closest rivals, with Liverpool a further point behind in third place.
The Gunners are the first Premier League title contenders to play this weekend, taking on Sunderland on Saturday night before Man City take on Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Ahead of Sunday’s match, Shearer supported the match ending in a “draw”, but explained why he thought the match would be “tough” for Liverpool.
“These two have been setting the pace for a long time. It’s a great rivalry and it’s going to be a great match on a great occasion,” Shearer told Metro.
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“Both teams will be desperate to win and Arsenal will be desperate for a draw to keep both teams at bay. I think it will be a draw.”
“Liverpool prefer to play high lines, which suits Haaland, but they defended more against Real Madrid in midweek and they did that a lot last weekend.
“They have to keep doing that but it will be tough with Man City in decent form and Haaland looks unplayable at the moment.
“There are interesting battles going on all over the pitch. Van Dijk and Konate versus Haaland is a game I’m really looking forward to.”
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Regarding Arsenal, Shearer explained why the Gunners cannot ‘conceive a point’ against Sunderland.
Shearer added: “Given Arsenal’s form, I don’t think they will concede any goals this weekend.”
“Sunderland haven’t been very good this week but they’ve had an incredible start. When Sunderland are disappointed they didn’t beat Everton, it says a lot about how good they were.”
“But given Arsenal’s form so far, how tight and mean their last line is, I believe they will get all three points.
“If you look at the fact that Man City and Liverpool are playing, they will be desperate to get a draw. Then Arsenal will take the three points and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.”
