Arsenal defender makes Tottenham prediction ahead of Man City title race showdown

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has backed Tottenham's players to "try their best" against Manchester City on Tuesday night, but expects the home fans to be cheering on the visitors.

City are a point behind the Gunners with a game in hand heading into the final week of the season and if they win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium they will have the title in their hands on the final day, when West Ham visit the Etihad.

But any slip-up on Tuesday night will hand the initiative to Arsenal, who face Everton at home on the final day of the season, and City's midweek game is laced with narrative given the fierce rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham.

The Gunners will be hoping Spurs are still in the hunt for a Champions League spot, but if Aston Villa beat Liverpool on Monday night that incentive will be stripped away from them.

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Saliba is confident the professionalism of Tottenham players will keep them motivated, even if the home fans show their backing for City in a bid to stop Arsenal ending a 20-year wait for a league title.

"No, I don’t think so - because they want to play in the Champions League next season," Saliba said when asked whether that would affect Tottenham players.

"I think they will try to win. I know their fans don’t want them to win against City, but they are good competitors so I think they will try their best to win against City.

"We know that Tottenham is a very good team. Our first game and second game with them was not easy. I hope they will be at their best on Tuesday."

Arsenal led 3-0 at Tottenham recently but were pegged