Manchester City have their biggest game of the season so far today against Arsenal – and pundit Tim Sherwood is backing one man to rise to the occasion.
Manchester City are looking to make it five wins out of five in the Premier League, and put some daylight between them and the Gunners.
Arsenal are already two points behind after recently drawing to Brighton, and a five-point gap at this stage would be fairly significant.
City have started the new season very well, although momentum was just halted a little bit in midweek as Inter rocked up to the Etihad Stadium and took a point in the Champions League.
Arsenal may well follow their blueprint, and it could be a tricky game for City in terms of breaking their opponents down.
For Tim Sherwood, there’s one player who could be the difference today – and it’s not Erling Haaland.
Tim Sherwood predicts Jack Grealish to make the difference for Man City against Arsenal
Most of the talk leading up to this game has been about Haaland going up against the two Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.
They both did very well last time at the Etihad, especially Gabriel, who made it his mission to stop the Norwegian.
It will likely be another physical battle between them, and Sherwood believes Haaland being occupied could pave the way for Jack Grealish to make a big impact today.
Speaking on Sky Sports News yesterday, he said: “I am not going for a draw. I think City will win. I think it will be 1-0. It might not be Haaland. I think he will occupy Gabriel and Saliba.
“I think it might be a Jack Grealish who comes to the party and scores, one of the 10s who occupies the space behind him. For me, I am just going to say Manchester City 1-0.”
Grealish started for City in midweek against Inter and drew praise for his performance in the 0-0 draw. There is a reasonable chance he will start today on the left.
Grealish not known for being a matchwinner, but he could be one today
Today’s game will be a fascinating tactical battle, and few will expect Arsenal to play in a different way than the last time they came to the Etihad.
Mikel Arteta will not want to lose today and go five points behind City.
So defensively they will be tough to break down. The likelihood is that Haaland will have two players on him at all times, so this potentially paves the way for there to be other matchwinners. Pundit Paul Merson has already sent a warning to the two Arsenal centre-backs about the City number nine, but them occupying him together could allow other players to get joy.
Grealish is not really known for being a matchwinner.
But today, with Kevin De Bruyne unavailable, there’s an opportunity for him to be that man. Especially if Haaland is kept quiet again.
