Overview
- Gary Lineker said he is “pretty confident” Arsenal will win the Premier League despite their FA Cup defeat to Southampton.
- Rio Ferdinand warned that a slip against Bournemouth followed by a loss at Manchester City could change the race, adding that City “can smell blood.”
- Arsenal hold a nine-point lead over Manchester City, who have a game in hand against Crystal Palace that could trim the gap before the Etihad meeting.
- Arsenal face Sporting CP in a Champions League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon this week before hosting Bournemouth in the league.
- Manchester City’s recent cup form — a Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal and a 4-0 FA Cup victory against Liverpool — has intensified focus on experience and momentum in the run-in.