'Where do I sign?': Mark Bosnich makes case for Arsenal as ultimate 'bottle job' test awaits in Man City blockbuster
There are some games of football where a 1.30am AEST Monday kickoff is a tough sell, even for the biggest tragics like myself.
Not this one.
It is not hyperbole to say that Manchester City's seismic clash with Arsenal could decide the Premier League title for 2025-26.
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A City win at home would bring Pep Guardiola's men within three points of the Gunners - and they have a game in hand as the finish line nears.
Pep Guardiola is a trophy winning machine. Getty
The pendulum has swung towards City but I am picking Arsenal to get a draw here and cling on for a drought-breaking title.
Their Champions League second leg stalemate with Sporting on Thursday wasn't flashy but they got the job done and marched on to a date with Atletico Madrid.
That was crucial: a failure to advance really would have set a cat among the pigeons.
It was a very tepid first half and there were some close shaves but they deserved to go through - it was just a lot closer than most people predicted.
They were carrying a lot of baggage from Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth, which really opened the title race up.
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Arsenal star Declan Rice reacts during their loss to Bournemouth. Getty
It's opened up the floor to accusations that they're going to bottle it.
I don't think they will. I think that they will go on and win the title. It's a massive game for them this week. But even if they do happen to lose it, I still believe that they'll go on to win the title. That's just my feeling.
City still have to win their game in hand and that is no given - even though most pundits seem to be treating it as such.
The other thing Arsenal have in their favour is a three goal better goal difference.
And let's be real - Arsenal are into the semi-finals of the Champions League in back-to-back seasons. I'd much rather be in Arsenal's position than City's.
Six games to go, six points clear - albeit with a City game in hand - where do I sign? The players should puff their chests out and believe.
But of course Arsenal fans are rightfully nervous. Arsenal have not won at City since 2015. And City outsmarted Arsenal in the League Cup final.
James Trafford made some good saves and Nico O'Reilly scored a really smart double.
So yes, City are on a roll after they got really taken apart against Real Madrid.
Arsenal are having a bit of a wobble. The crucial battles?
Erling Haaland against William Saliba will be a beauty. Rayan Cherki is one of the best players in the league at the moment.
Manchester City's Rayan Cherki has been on fire this season. Getty
And Mikel Arteta needs to come up with a good plan for Rodri, who is their quarterback, the conductor of the City orchestra. When he plays well City just flow.
So huge game, huge ramifications from a psychological perspective. This is the type of game that gives managers sleepless nights.
From what I have read close to a billion people worldwide will be watching this match. It's absolutely incredible.
DANGER MAN EMERGES FOR SOCCEROOS
Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final win against Real Madrid was absolutely electric. The second leg had everything.
The 4-3 thriller all started with a horror mistake from Manuel Neuer, reminding us all again that even the best goalkeepers in the world will be feature on blooper reels and social media much more than they would like.
Everyone was raving about the great German after the first leg when he was man of the match. And rightfully so. But that's when you're at your most vulnerable because you are then super confident. Too confident sometimes.
It was still a good finish by Arda Guler and then the 21-year-old whiz-kid scored his second with a stunning free kick.
The Madrid and Turkiye star is one of the best young players in the world, so it was no surprise. But it was a timely reminder of what the Socceroos will be up against in the opening game of their World Cup campaign.
He's got some serious class.
