Harry Redknapp blasts 'absolute rubbish' ahead of crunch showdown between Man City and Arsenal

And Arsenal will be hoping to capitalise with City set to be without John Stones and Kyle Walker due to injury.

It's a huge day for Mikel Arteta's side, who have impressed with their swashbuckling performances since the turn of the year.

And Redknapp, speaking to The Sun, believes it is 'absolute rubbish' that Arsenal would prefer to play against all of City's A-listers.

"Gunners boss Mikel Arteta won’t admit it but I’m sure he’ll be delighted Stones and particularly Walker are missing," he said.

"It always makes me laugh when people say how they want to play against the best.

"I heard someone do that when City star Erling Haaland had a knock this season.

"Well that is absolute rubbish.

"You don’t wish a bad injury on anyone but as a manager you think ‘if a couple of their big names are out, we’ll have a right chance’.

"There were plenty of times over the years when I thought the same.

"We all do it. You tell me anyone involved with Arsenal won’t be glad if Pep’s missing two regulars."

Arsenal beat City 1-0 earlier in the season, with Gabriel Martinelli netting the only goal of the game.

They have, however, struggled when playing at the Etihad in recent years.

And Redknapp thinks Arsenal will draw against City - and hand Liverpool the advantage in the title race in the process.

"They finally ended a horrible run against City by beating them back in October, and I can’t see them losing on Sunday either," he continued.

"Another Sunday, another draw... it’s getting to be a habit!

"But while a point at the Etihad is never a bad thing, that would do the Reds a right favour, because I think they’ll beat Brighton and end the weekend on top.

"Looking at the respective run-ins, I’d just about favour them.

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"The other two face tough Champions League games as well, while City also have an FA Cup semi-final.

"I know Liverpool are in Europe too but there’s no Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in their way.

"It will still be nip and tuck but they’re my new fancy for the title... this week at least!"

Last April, in a repeat of this fixture, City were superior in every department.

Kevin De Bruyne netted a brace, with John Stones and Erling Haaland also on target.

But while Arsenal netted a consolation through Rob Holding, the 4-1 defeat ultimately left their title hopes in tatters.

Arteta wants his side to use that defeat as fuel for today's contest, telling Sky Sports: "It was a painful experience but probably one we needed.

"Hopefully, we learned a lot from it."