Alan Shearer is expecting Arsenal vs Manchester City to once again play host to some 'needle' on Sunday afternoon. The Gunners welcome Pep Guardiola's side to the Emirates on Sunday as they attempt to chase down Liverpool, who are nine points clear in the Premier League. City meanwhile, have scant hope of retaining their title and sit fourth in the division and need to secure their Champions League qualification.

The duo have finished in the top two spots of the league in the previous two seasons and their meeting in September saw a tempestuous affair. Leandro Trossard was controversially sent off as Rodri picked up a significant injury and John Stones scored a late equaliser in the 98th minute. Mikel Arteta was left furious following the clash, and the game saw a number of fiery moments as the likes of Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes clashed. Shearer is expecting little different from the flashpoints that emerged when the sides drew.

"In the past, this game’s had a little bit of needle and I think it’ll have the same again because you’ve got two teams who will still want to believe that they can achieve something this season," Shearer wrote in Metro. "City aren’t challenging for the title anymore, they won’t win the title, but Arsenal still believe they will and have been for a while. City have been the dominant force for years, and that’s why there’s been a bit of needle because success sort of brings that.

"Lewis-Skelly’s ban has been overturned which is pleasing to see. It was it was a poor decision by the referee, which I understand because a ref can make poor decisions, but the reason why we’ve got VAR is to rectify that and God knows why the VAR didn’t rectify that. It was bizarre to me, so the right thing in the end has happened, but it took a while to get there. "Omar Marmoush had a really good start last weekend against Chelsea, unlike Abdukodir Khusanov who had a really tough debut. Marmoush had a more promising debut, he was willing to run in behind, and was a threat in behind, I can see why Pep Guardiola has bought him here.

"I can see both sides cancelling each other out and I can see this one being a score draw. Prediction: Draw.". Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.