TalkSPORT pundit Graeme Souness has backed Manchester City to come out on top when they face top-of-the-table Arsenal this weekend.

The Premier League champions host the Gunners at the Etihad and, asked for his prediction ahead of the massive fixture, Souness said:

“I would think Man City.”

His fellow pundit Simon Jordan was less certain that Pep Guardiola’s side will secure the three points, saying that the teams could share the spoils:

“If Arsenal win this I think they can win the league but I think it will be a draw.”

A lot is riding on Sunday’s match

City’s opponents would go four points clear at the top if they do beat the Cityzens but, conversely, a home victory would give Guardiola’s men a massive boost heading into the final 9 games.

The reigning champions haven’t been perfect on their own patch this season, having dropped points to the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Cyrstal Palace but, importantly, they haven’t lost at the Etihad.

City have the easiest run-in on paper

After they face the Gunners this weekend, the Cityzens will feel confident that they can finish the campaign without dropping too many points. There is a home game against Aston Villa, and away fixtures versus Tottenham and Brighton that could present a challenge. However, for the most part, Guardiola’s team will be taking on teams in the bottom half of the table.

With opponents scrambling for points to avoid relegation, it doesn’t mean some of these matches will be easy, but City stand a better chance than their two title rivals of ending the season in good form.

Of course, it’s best not to look too far ahead. The key for City is to ensure they begin this final stretch with an emphatic win on Sunday and reaffirm their title credentials in the process.