Alan Shearer Backs Manchester City To Sweep Domestic Cups While Issuing Mental "Resilience" Warning To Arsenal

Alan Shearer predicts a Man City win over Liverpool in the FA Cup while warning Arsenal that a loss to Southampton could ruin their title chances.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 5:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

City’s Momentum vs. Liverpool’s Struggles

As the FA Cup takes center stage over the Easter weekend, Alan Shearer has joined fellow pundit Paul Merson in backing Manchester City to eliminate Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. Shearer pointed to the psychological edge gained by Pep Guardiola’s side following their Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal. Despite ongoing speculation regarding Guardiola’s long-term future and Liverpool’s inconsistent form under Arne Slot, Shearer believes City currently possesses the tactical depth and morale to "go all the way" in the competition. The victory at Wembley is seen as a catalyst that could propel City toward a domestic cup double.

The "Mental Trap" for Arsenal at Southampton

Arsenal faces a high-stakes trip to Southampton, a fixture Shearer describes as "incredibly tough" from a psychological perspective. Coming off a demoralizing loss in the Carabao Cup final just two weeks ago, the Gunners are under intense scrutiny to prove their resilience. Shearer warned that the Championship side is currently "flying" and could capitalize on any lingering fatigue or lack of confidence in Mikel Arteta’s squad. While he ultimately expects Arsenal to progress, he stressed that an exit this weekend could have catastrophic ramifications for their Premier League title race, potentially breaking the team's mental resolve for the final stretch of the season.

Southampton’s Championship Surge

The warning to Arsenal is rooted in Southampton’s impressive recent form in the second tier. Shearer noted that the Saints have undergone a significant transformation, moving from a period of instability to becoming a genuine threat to top-flight opposition. For Arsenal, the challenge is not just technical but atmospheric; facing a rejuvenated Southampton in a "giant-killing" environment requires a level of focus that was absent during their recent performance at Wembley. Shearer highlighted that the "pressure is on" the North London side to avoid a second consecutive cup disappointment in less than a month.