Monday 21 December 2015 19:45, UK
Jamie Redknapp reckons Arsenal can win their Monday Night Football clash with Manchester City - but will lose out in the long run to Manuel Pellegrini's side...
Arsenal vs Manchester City isn't a title decider - but I believe we'll be watching this season's Premier League champions on Monday Night Football.
These two teams, for me, are the best in the division and this is a golden opportunity for them to lay down a marker.
Manchester City are still my tip to go on and win the title in May - but I've got a feeling the timing is right for an Arsenal win at the Emirates.
We mustn't get carried away with Arsenal's wins over Sunderland, Olympiakos and Aston Villa. But they will go into Monday's game full of confidence, with Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey both bang in form and the team and fans believing this could be their year.
I can see it being an open game with plenty of goals and that plays in to Arsenal's hands.
A lot was made of their win at Manchester City last season and people said their approach that day - allowing their opponents to have the ball and then hit them on the counter attack - was the way forward for them. But that doesn't work for Arsenal consistently. They tried that at Bayern Munich in the Champions League last month and got battered.
To perform well, to be at their best, Arsenal need to have the ball.
I can see it being an open game with plenty of goals and that plays in to Arsenal's hands.
They'll have a real opportunity to get at Manchester City's defence on Monday, too. City's backline lacks protection and, without injured captain Vincent Kompany, Manuel Pellegrini doesn't know what his best back four is. Their only option is to try to out-score their opponents.
They'll be hoping Sergio Aguero is back fit because he gives them a great opportunity to do just that.
But, on Monday, I think a lot is in Arsenal's favour.
When they lost Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla I thought that was the end for them. Without Alexis Sanchez, as well, it seemed like they were set for a terrible run. But they've stuck together - and the return of Ramsey has been key.
The timing of Ramsey getting back into the team - like the timing of his runs - has been perfect. They really needed him back and he's added a goal threat. He's a quality player and, when you're lining up against him in the tunnel before the game, you know you're up against it. He's a great athlete, scores goals and gives that midfield energy.
Mesut Ozil, their top performer and assist provider, will also hope to be instrumental in this huge game.
Typically, Arsenal haven't done well against the other leading sides in the Premier League over the past few seasons. But they'll hope to follow up that 3-0 win at home to Manchester United earlier this season and show they can mix it with the best this year.
I still feel City have the attributes to win the Premier League in the long run - they have attacking talent which can rip teams apart. But, on Monday Night Football, I reckon it will be the Gunners who fire.
