What is the most correct regarding the two and four rak'ahs before 'Asr?

Question:
How is the hadith of Ibn 'Umar reconciled with the hadith of 'Ali, in which the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have sometimes prayed four rak'ahs and sometimes two?

Answer:
There is a point of consideration regarding its authenticity. What is established from his statement is: As for the author's statement that "its chain of narration is authentic," this is a point of consideration. Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) may have been unaware of certain matters regarding chains of narration.
Q: Four consecutive rak'ahs?
The Shaykh: No, he says the taslim after every two rak'ahs. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: two by two. What did the commentator say about the first one?
The student: Abu Dawud narrated it, and its chain is good, but the narration of four is more authentic.
The Shaykh: Yes, there is no doubt; the narration of four is more authentic. And what did 'Ali's first narration say? What did he comment on it?
The student: Its chain is good only.
The Shaykh: Who is the commentator?
The student: Shaykh Shu'ayb al-Arna'ut.
The Shaykh: He should be reviewed, if Allah wills. What I know is that there is a point of consideration in Shu'ayb's narrations. The preserved narration is the one stating "two."