“It might not be Haaland” - Tim Sherwood predicts surprise player to score for Manchester City in 1-0 win over Arsenal

Manchester City face a crucial Premier League clash against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday (September 22). Pundit Tim Sherwood has backed Jack Grealish to emerge as the surprise hero for the reigning champions.

City are aiming for a fifth consecutive league win to extend their lead over Arsenal. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sherwood predicted a narrow 1-0 victory for Pep Guardiola's side, with the former Aston Villa star landing the defining blow.

“I think City will win. I think it will be 1-0. It might not be Haaland,” Sherwood remarked. “I think he [Haaland] will occupy Gabriel and Saliba. It might be Jack Grealish who comes to the party and scores, one of the 10s who occupies the space behind him.”

Much of the pre-match attention has centered on Haaland’s battle with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. Sherwood, however, believes the Norwegian’s involvement could draw enough attention to free up Grealish, particularly with Kevin De Bruyne unavailable due to injury.

Grealish, who was praised for his performance in City’s 0-0 draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League, has a strong chance of starting on the left. Although the 29-year-old hasn't lit up the league with his goal-scoring prowess, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager sees an opportunity for the England international to step up.

City head into the match looking to create a five-point gap over Arsenal, who are already trailing after a recent draw with Brighton.

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"It's always been a tight game" - Pep Guardiola ahead of Manchester City's crucial clash against title rivals Arsenal

Manchester City versus Arsenal, for the past couple of seasons, has been the season-defining match in the Premier League. Hence, with the two teams set to clash for the first time in 2024-25, the anticipation is over the roof.

The Cityzens have already established a two-point lead over the Gunners. However, Pep Guardiola insisted in a pre-match press conference that the points table is "not so important" at this stage.

“In terms of the table, it’s not so important. What will be important is when we go to London in the second part of the season. It’s not a motivation that we have to win to be five points ahead after five fixtures! It’s to do a good game,” Guardiola stated. (via Arsenal website).

The Spanish tactician underlined that he expects a tight game against the London powerhouse, and lauded them for being a "complete team".

"It's always been a tight game in the last years because they are good but we are good too. In many things, high pressing, transition, they are a complete team. That’s why they have been our biggest rivals in last two seasons," the Manchester City boss averred.