'They can be exposed' - Bacary Sagna makes Man City v Arsenal prediction

Bacary Sagna has revealed his prediction as two of his former clubs – Arsenal and Manchester City – prepare to meet in a huge Premier League title clash this weekend.

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League on goal difference but know Man City will leapfrog them if they fall to defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners narrowly missed out on the title last season – finishing five points behind Man City after leading the race for much of the campaign.

But Mikel Arteta’s side have mounted another title challenge this season, winning 20 of their 28 league games to go top with ten games remaining.

Arsenal had lost 12 league games in a row against Man City before this season but ended their hoodoo against Pep Guardiola’s side with a 1-0 win at home in October.

Manchester City sit third – one point behind Arsenal and second-placed Liverpool – as they look for a sixth league title since 2018 and another historic treble.

Asked for his prediction for the Etihad showdown, Sagna told Paddy Power: ‘I can see Manchester City and Arsenal drawing at the Etihad.

Arsenal visit Premier League title rivals Manchester City on Sunday (Picture: Getty)

‘At home, Man City can be exposed because they attack so much and leave themselves open to the counterattack and we know how fast Arsenal’s players are.

‘It’s a strength to attack so much because they can put any team under pressure, but Arsenal can also put pressure on teams, so I think it will be a draw.’

Speaking to Sky Sports in a separate interview, the ex-France star added: ‘I was at the Emirates and the Etihad for the games [between Arsenal and Man City] last year and I was impressed by the intensity.

‘It was much faster than when I was playing. The pressing is really intense. The mangers don’t want to give room and space to top, top players because they will make things happen.

‘It is one of the top games not just for the Premier League but also in Europe.’

Sagna also singled out Bernardo Silva ahead of Manchester City’s crucial clash with Arsenal, describing the Portuguese star as a player who makes all other teams ‘jealous’.

Silva has been integral to Man City’s recent success, making over 300 appearances for the European champions and winning 13 major trophies at the Etihad.

Sagna has revealed his admiration for Bernardo Silva (Picture: Getty)

‘Bernardo Silva is a top player who has a lot of quality on the ball and he’s very clever,’ Sagna said.

‘It’s fantastic to have players like him in the team, along with [Erling] Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne because having players like that will make any team jealous.

‘Bernardo Silva is having a big impact on the team and it’s not the first time, but he does step up towards the end of the season and shine more than usual. He’s just been class ever since he joined from Monaco.

‘What we’re seeing now is a continuation of his talent. I would love to see him stay at the club because he’s one of the best in the world at his position.’

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