Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has predicted Arsenal to defeat Manchester City when the two Premier League giants face off this weekend. The Citizens currently lead the league, sitting on 18 points after seven matches whilst Tottenham Hotspur and the Gunners are second and third respectively having both accumulated 17 points from the same amount of league fixtures.

This Sunday sees the reigning champions visit the Emirates Stadium, a ground they have enjoyed substantial success at, remaining undefeated there since December 2015. But Mikel Arteta and Co will be hoping that their Community Shield victory over Pep Guardiola's side can give them an advantage going into Sunday's clash in north London.

Now, former Liverpool defender Carragher has backed the home team to come out on top, arguing that City midfielder Rodri being suspended could prove to be a deciding factor. When asked to give his prediction, the ex-England international told Sky Sports : "I'm going to go for Arsenal.

"I think Arsenal just might do it. With home advantage and Rodri not playing - who's a huge player for Man City."

He continued "Hopefully that will give us a title race between now and the end of the season. I want Liverpool to be involved

"I think we want this title race to go as long as it could possibly go - and last season it did. I thought it was brilliant between Man City and Arsenal.

"So, hopefully Arsenal can get the three points." But Arsenal hero Paul Merson isn't as convinced by Arteta's men, who could be without star wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on Sunday due to injury.

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"If I had predicted this game on Tuesday, I'd have definitely backed Arsenal to win this game", Merson wrote for Sportskeeda. "Manchester City are without Rodri and they aren't the same team.

"Arsenal will now have to do without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, and I can't see how Arsenal can win this game. You've got to remember that Kevin De Bruyne also isn't playing at the moment.

"He gets a lot of assists, but people forget about his passes before the assists. Erling Haaland makes a lot of runs, but City haven't got too many players apart from De Bruyne who can thread the eye of the needle with their passes.

"I think that's why Haaland is struggling to get his goals at the moment. I thought Kalvin Phillips would've played every game in Rodri's absence - he seems like the natural replacement.

"It does depend on what Pep Guardiola wants to do - I don't think he'll be content with stopping Arsenal's rhythm. He will want to dictate play, and he'll probably use Kovacic instead.

"Arsenal got an opening in the title race last week, and they'll need to make the most of it. You've got to make hay while the sun shines with this City team.

"If Man City are held to a draw here, they'll have picked up only one point in their last two games. It also offers Liverpool and Tottenham a chance to fight for the Premier League title.

"I don't think Arsenal need to win this game, but they need to make sure they don't lose. If they get beat here, it's déjà vu - they lost both their games against Manchester City last season.

"It's going to be a very cagey match, and I think it'll end in a draw."

Merson's Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City