I don't think there is an adequate word to describe how nervous I feel for Arsenal's trip to the Etihad. A sports psychologist would probably have a field day and say something about reframing my thinking. After all, this is an opportunity to effectively end the title race. But the only thing I can think of doing is scheduling an anaesthetic to kick in on Sunday, lasting until 27 May.
The strangest thing about this game is that it won't decide the title. Unless Arsenal win it of course. But if City win, then it's still in both team's hands to win the league. Part of the challenge for us will be handling the shift in momentum if the worst happens at the Etihad.
There are three things I admire about City (and despise in equal measure). One is a 6ft 5in Norwegian robot, the other two are Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku. The unpredictability and vibrancy with which they can create has no analogue in this current Arsenal side. Their talent is appallingly, terrifyingly good. In those three players, City always have the capacity to end things quickly and without warning.
That's the cruelty of defending against great players. You can have a brilliant 89 minutes, but they only have to beat you once and Arsenal limp to the Etihad without their first choice backline (yawn). Sure, when Bukayo Saka is at full tilt he has a claim to be one of the best attackers in the league. But a combination of injuries and poor form leaves us staring down the barrel of a Hail Mary start for a 16-year-old in our most important match of the season.
I'm sorry to say this – I really am – but in my current headspace, I can only see one outcome and it sickens me. We all know what this game is going to look like. Arsenal don't need to chase the win, City do.
My rallying cry to my embattled team would be, remember who you are. Please, remember you have been the best team in the country for eight months and if Erling Haaland wheels away celebrating an early goal from a Gabriel shanked clearance, it's not the end.
If we can escape with a point, I'll be mighty relieved.
Find more from Scarlet Katz Roberts at the Goal Difference podcast
