EPL: It’s frightening – De Jong predicts winner of Arsenal vs Man City tie

Former Manchester City star, Nigel de Jong, has backed Pep Guardiola’s side to beat Arsenal when both teams clash in Saturday’s Premier League tie at Emirates.

De Jong said Manchester City would dominate the game but Arsenal would put up a good fight.

Man City are currently on top of the Premier League table, while Mikel Arteta’s side are in fourth place.

“I can see Arsenal trying to put a fight up against Manchester City this weekend. They are in a much better position this season than they were when the two sides met at the Etihad,” De Jong told Ladbrokes.

“We know that City will be the most dominant force in the fixture, but Arsenal will take a lot of positives into this game, for sure. They are on a good run, especially at home, they have nothing to lose and they have confidence in the way that they play.

“It’s not the Arsenal we saw three or four months ago. They have the ability, and like City, form is on their side.

“Mikel Arteta is doing a great job with the youngsters; he’s given a lot of confidence to Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, with Alexandre Lacazette being the captain now, as one of the club’s more experienced players.

“Things are clicking into place for them at this point, so in that sense, Man City have got to watch out.

“But I don’t see Arsenal winning the game, especially the way Man City are playing right now. Everybody’s coming back from injuries and suspensions, most notably Kevin De Bruyne.

“Just look at their bench; it’s frightening. Man City will always dominate games, they will always see most of the ball and will try and keep it in their opponents’ half. I see the game going in favour of City, but Arsenal will put up a good fight.”

The kick-off time for the game is 1.30 pm.