'Let's hope': Harry Redknapp shares his honest prediction for Man City vs Arsenal today
Today at 03:55 AM
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side will be hoping to go one better than their trip to face Manchester City last season, aiming to win three very tough Premier League away trips in a row.
Last weekend, Arsenal won in brilliant fashion against Tottenham Hotspur, a win that followed three points on the road against Aston Villa too.
Neither Man City or Arsenal managed that feat against Unai Emery's side last term, a sign that the Gunners have improved.
However, facing Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland will always be the biggest litmus test for Arsenal, who drew 0-0 in Manchester last season.
Of course, despite that being a good result, Arteta's side were criticised in the aftermath for not chasing the win – a moment many felt was decisive in the title-race.
Harry Redknapp thinks Erling Haaland vs Gabriel Magalhaes will be key
Speaking via The Sun, Harry Redknapp has now shared his score prediction for Sunday's crucial tie, one that will be an early barometer of how both teams have progressed.
The pundit harped back to the duel between Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes last season – one the Brazilian won on that occasion.
READ MORE: Paul Merson has predicted the scoreline for Manchester City vs Arsenal on Sunday
And regardless of the outcome, Redknapp was simply hoping for a more blockbuster encounter.
He said: "The question today is, can the two Arsenal centre-backs cope with Erling Haaland, like they did last season?
"Haaland is a machine and scoring goals for fun again, but there was a bit of edge between him and Gabriel last time. That could kick off again.
"Regardless, it would be good to see a better game than last time, which was a bit of a bore, ending 0-0.
"Let's hope it lives up to its star billing, even though I'm predicting a 1-1 draw. But Arteta would be delighted with that."
No Martin Odegaard for Arsenal
Of course, the biggest selection call from an Arsenal point of view will be how Arteta plans to replace Martin Odegaard this time around.
Against Atalanta on Thursday, Gabriel Jesus came in with Kai Havertz dropping into the number 10 role.
However, Arsenal might drop Jesus against City, choosing to deploy Havertz as the spearhead of their side once again, with Leandro Trossard just in behind.
Fortunately for City, their Norwegian superstar is fit, a player who was in the headlines for not scoring against Inter Milan, a sign of just how good he's become.
A fascinating tie between the Premier League's best two sides, and here's hoping it's akin to a slogfest rather than a delicate chess match.
