Chris Sutton has been predicting Manchester City’s upcoming match against Arsenal and has shared what he expects Erling Haaland to do against the Gunners.
The start of the 2025/26 campaign has been a mixed one for Pep Guardiola’s side as they have lost two of their opening four Premier League matches, while Man City have also been hit with injury issues.
However, the positives have been the 4-0 win over Wolves and last weekend’s Manchester derby. Three points away to Arsenal would really kickstart the Manchester club’s season, as Mikel Arteta’s team will be City’s biggest test so far.
BBC pundit Chris Sutton has predicted the result of Arsenal vs Man City and made a statement about Haaland.
Erling Haaland celebrates during Manchester City v Manchester United.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Chris Sutton expects Erling Haaland to score against Arsenal
Haaland has started this season in impressive fashion, with the Norwegian star scoring five goals across his opening four Premier League matches.
More Man City News
The Man City star stole the show against Manchester United with a brace, and Sutton has predicted the striker to get on the scoresheet again on Sunday, although the former Chelsea star has predicted Arsenal to win the contest.
“I’m erring towards an Arsenal win with this one. So, bench your City players, but I still fancy Haaland to nick one. I’d go 2-1 to Arsenal, maybe 3-1,” Sutton said on the BBC’s FPL Podcast.
Man City and Haaland have to deal with Napoli first on Thursday night, and a goal against the Italian champions would set the Norwegian international up perfectly heading into the Manchester club’s trip to the Emirates Stadium.
It is these games where the 25-year-old can make the difference for City this season, and if the striker can replicate his 2022/23 campaign, then Guardiola’s men have a chance at winning the title over the coming months.
Pep Guardiola’s record against Arsenal
Since arriving at Man City in 2016, Guardiola has a very good record against Arsenal, winning 20, drawing five, and losing just seven of the 32 games he has faced the Gunners.
However, the big concern for City fans is that their team has not beaten the London club throughout the last five times they have faced each other, with Arteta’s men hammering the Manchester side 5-1 last time around.
Arsenal are favourites heading into Sunday’s clash, as the Gunners have been the better team this season, they have longer to prepare for the game, and Man City also have concerns over the referee.
Beating the North London club will be a tough task for Man City, but with Haaland in their team, the Premier League giants cannot be ruled out.