Paul Merson reckons that if Arsenal let Manchester City go 1-0 up early on Sunday, they’re in for a world of pain.

• Arsenal v Manchester City kicks off 2 April at 4pm UK time
• Merson played for Arsenal from 1985 – 1997
• Manchester City and Arsenal are two of the highest scoring teams in the league

Despite being an ex-Arsenal player, Merson doesn’t seem very fond of the club. However, for once, I have to agree with his prediction.

“This is a huge game,” Merson said Sky Sports.

“I only know one thing for sure in this game, it won’t be 0-0. It’s as simple as that.

“I think both teams going forward will hurt the other team, similar to City’s game at the Etihad against Liverpool, lots happening and a lot riding on it.

“But I think City will hurt Arsenal on more occasions. 

“Manchester City don’t go anywhere and play for a draw, and neither do Arsenal, but I just think the way the Gunners are so open and lacking in confidence, you dread to think what the score could be if City go 1-0 up early on.”

Despite being in third, City haven’t had the best season so far. This seems mostly down to the fact they have a new manager in Pep Guardiola. The former Barcelona and Bayern man is still feeling out a new league in a new country against mostly new opposition.

Once they find their rhythm and Pep gets used to it, I’m sure City will look a lot better since when they’ve been switched on this season, they’ve looked like a serious force.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are down in sixth with barely a scrap of confidence. Bouncing back against a team who, at the start of the campaign, were tipped to be the Gunners’ title rivals, would be perfect. However, whether Arsene Wenger’s team can actually do that at the moment is doubtful.