Mark Lawrenson states his prediction for Arsenal v Man City

Mark Lawrenson is backing Manchester City to hold Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash at The Emirates.

Arsenal have struggled badly in recent weeks and have been on a miserable run of form in the Premier League, having lost four of their last five games in the top flight.

That run of results has caused Arsene Wenger’s men to drop down into sixth place in the table as they face an uphill struggle to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

Arsenal are currently six points behind Liverpool but will move level on points with the Reds if they can win their two games in hand over Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are third in the table but have drawn their last two games heading into Sunday’s showdown.

And former Liverpool star Lawrenson is backing the two sides to play out a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s game at The Emirates.

Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Lawrenson said: “It is really unusual that Arsenal, who are normally so well run, have allowed things to reach this stage.

“The uncertainty has affected results too and, after four defeats in their past five league games, the Gunners have ground to make up in the race for the top four.

“But Manchester City have also dropped a few points recently, with two successive draws. I think they will make it three in a row at Emirates Stadium.”

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Arsenal finished second in the Premier League and without a trophy last season.