Arsenal Legend Paul Merson Makes Bullish Prediction Ahead of Man City Clash

Two-time English champion Paul Merson has made a gutsy prediction for the upcoming Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester City. 

The Gunners are chasing their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 season. Man City, meanwhile, are looking to return to the title fight after finishing third last season.

Unfortunately for the challengers, reigning champions Liverpool are favourites to claim their 21st English title this season. Liverpool are 7/5 with football betting sites to lift the Premier League trophy.

This is Football. Respect to @Athletic_en 👏💛 pic.twitter.com/onzCzq72RO

— Arsenal Inside (@arsenalinside_) September 16, 2025

After four Matchdays, Liverpool are the only Premier League team with a 100% record. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bournemouth have all amassed nine points, but the Gunners are leading on goal difference.

Arsenal’s only defeat of the season came against Liverpool on Matchday 2. Mikel Arteta’s men also prevailed in their first Champions League outing, beating Athletic Bilbao 3-1 away from home.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have already suffered two defeats in the Premier League, losing to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion. They have, however, bounced back in the last couple of matches. City beat Manchester United 3-0 in their last Premier League outing before claiming a convincing 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday.

Paul Merson Makes Huge Arsenal vs Man City Prediction

Arsenal played their Champions League match on Tuesday, thus getting 48 hours more to recover for Sunday’s clash with Manchester City. Between the home advantage and extra recovery time, the Gunners should enter the game in better physical shape than City.

In his Sportskeeda column, Paul Merson suggested the extra recovery time could be decisive.

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

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

Erling Haaland at Man City:

👕 151 games
⚽️ 130 goals
🅰️ 20 assists
🏆 7 titles

Insane numbers. pic.twitter.com/EbnAbpHoaA

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) September 18, 2025

He added:

“City have 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. A win would make it two victories in three games for Arsenal against Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City in their first five games of the season, which is brilliant. 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.”

Paul Merson’s Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Manchester City

Arsenal vs Man City Head-to-Head

Arsenal and Manchester City have faced each other 213 times in all competitions. The north London club have the edge with 100 wins, Man City have 65 victories under their belt, and there have been 48 draws. In the Premier League, they have met 56 times, with Arsenal winning 25, City winning 19, and 12 games ending all square.