Dimitar Berbatov believes Carlo Ancelotti would be a good fit in the long-run for Arsenal - but first Freddie Ljungberg should be given the chance to prove himself.
Ljungberg has been in temporary charge of all first team affairs since the Gunners hierarchy opted to sack Unai Emery at the end of November.
So far, the Swede has endured a mixed start to his managerial reign, winning one, drawing to two and losing one of his four games he has overseen.
While Ancelotti has emerged as a contender to succeed Emery after being sacked by Napoli on Tuesday night - despite leading the Italian side into the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
“But what about their opponents? The Gunners' performances go up and down, as we've seen in Freddie Ljungberg's three games in charge,” Berbatov told Betfair.
“On Thursday, they were poor against Standard Liege before two late goals grabbed them a draw.
“You really don't know how Arsenal will perform but I expect them to raise their game for City's visit. The Blues have scored more than any other team in the top flight, and Arsenal are strongest up front, so I can see a high-scoring draw.
“Long term, Carlo Ancelotti could be a good fit for Arsenal as their next permanent manager. He did well in his two years at Chelsea, winning a league and cup double, and every footballer I know who's played under the Italian rates him highly. They say he knows when to be firm and how to get the best out of players.
“But first we need to see how Ljungberg performs as caretaker. Arsenal could go on an unbelievable run and leave the board with no choice but to appoint him permanently.”
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