Chris Sutton — who experienced a dramatic title decider with Blackburn in 1995 and now predicts all 380 Premier League fixtures for BBC Sport — believes Arsenal will emerge champions this season.
Sutton points to Arsenal’s form against their remaining opponents: in the reverse fixtures they beat the five teams they still have to face by a combined 8-1, and he expects them to do the same again. He sees Newcastle as a winnable game for Arsenal this weekend, despite past close contests, and thinks the tougher test will be the away trip to West Ham, coming just after Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg with Atletico Madrid. Even so, Sutton expects Arsenal to grind out the required results.
He views Manchester City’s run-in as more difficult. Although City beat Arsenal recently — a significant result — Sutton argues Pep Guardiola’s side still face tricky away matches, notably Everton and Bournemouth, and he anticipates they will drop points, most likely at Everton.
Sutton also highlights the attacking difference-makers. Erling Haaland’s Premier League tallies since joining City — 36, 27, 22 and 24 so far this season — give City a potent finisher who can decide tight game
