Ciaran Morrison

Wed 15 April 2026 12:30, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Mikel Arteta is being backed to beat Pep Guardiola as Arsenal and Manchester City face off in a crucial Premier League match this weekend.

That is the view of ex-Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who thinks Arteta will have a “few surprises” for Guardiola.

Arsenal go into the clash top of the table, but a Man City win would reduce the gap to three points with a game in hand.

The Gunners have opened the door for Man City to win the title after their 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth, which has increased the pressure on Arteta to deliver a major trophy.

Man City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final last month, and with an FA Cup exit since, the Premier League remains Arteta’s most likely chance to bring silverware back to north London.

Man City vs Arsenal ‘to be one of the best games’ this season

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes it is set up to be a “cracking game” between the two sides.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Arsenal will benefit from playing away from home.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s pretty obvious that this is a rather big game, and the title is on the line pretty much in this game.

“In a funny way, it’ll help Arsenal playing away, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Arsenal do this. It’s going to be a cracking game. Both sides are going to go for it and I think Arsenal will put in a big second half, come out of their shell, and really go for it as well. I see Arsenal just edging it slightly.

“Then again, away at City and City are flying right now, but we all know the importance of the game. It should be one of the most watched games around the world, given what’s at stake, and certainly two big fan bases. It’s great for the Premier League.

“I hope this isn’t one of those where somebody tries to put up a defensive wall and tries to hang on for points, but I don’t think that will happen. It’s going to be one of the best games, and it is going to be a showcase for attacking football. I think Arsenal will start moving the ball quickly, and City will move the ball quickly and both teams are going to go for it.

“With Arteta and Pep, there is a big subplot there behind the scenes in terms of the student, the apprentice and the master. I think Arteta’s got a few surprises up his sleeve, and Pep is going to have a few as well. So I expect a real spectacle, and I’m looking forward to this one definitely.”

Mikel Arteta’s future at Arsenal set be decided

The Man City clash could be crucial for Arteta, who has only won the FA Cup once since becoming manager of Arsenal in 2019.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal fans will grow frustrated at Arteta if they do not win the Premier League title this season.

There could even be calls for Arteta to be sacked, though the club are planning to hold talks with the Spaniard over a new contract.

Arteta’s current contract at Arsenal expires in 2027, and both sides are believed to be happy working together regardless of how this campaign concludes.