Arsenal vs Manchester City: Premier League Preview and Prediction

Published by adam | Filed under Predictions, Premier League, Previews

Nasri and Fabregas combine for a spectacular goal against Birmingham

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1/05 19:45 GMT Arsenal vs Manchester City – Odds | Stats


Manchester City travels to London to face the youth and quickness of Arsenal. At second and third respectfully in the tables, both teams are trying to catch Manchester United in the race for the title.



Arsenal:


Arsenal is happy to have come out of their very physical showdown against Birmingham City with no injuries. Arsenal won the New Years Day bruiser 3-0, despite several nasty challenges and leg stomps by Birmingham players. The one-twos of Fabregas, Nasri, and company are incredible to watch. If there is a team that can come close to Barcelona’s one-touch passing and finesse, it is Arsenal. Manager Arsene Wenger will most likely select the squad that beat Chelsea and then Birmingham, which would leave Denilson, Tomas Rosicky, Marouane Chamakh and Andrey Arshavin on the bench. Left-back Kieran Gibbs, who has been out for a month, has returned to training, but will not feature against City. Manuel Almunia (ankle), Abou Diaby (calf) and Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) also remain sidelined through injury. Arsenal lie in 3rd position in the tables and are still easily in the title race.


Manchester City:


Although City is tied with undefeated United on points (41), it is the Red Devils with 2 games to spare. Roberto Mancini however, will take his squad to London in hope to win a possible 4 out of 4 matches during the holidays. Mario Balotelli looked in form as he recorded a hat-trick against Aston Villa, but could not escape the match without a knee injury. David Silva was substituted against Blackpool as he also sustained a knock to the knee. While Balotelli could be fit for Wednesday’s feature, Silva remains a doubt. James Milner would likely take the place of the Spanish playmaker. Striker Emmanuel Adebayor has not seen the field through a bone spur and bruised heel that may continue to see him sidelined against his former club. Kolo Toure on the other hand, is back after serving a three match suspension. Carlos Teves had a dismal match against Blackpool and will look to recover his scoring ways. A good performance would give Mancini’s men a boost for the coming matches against bottom-half clubs Wolverhampton, Villa, Birmingham, and West Bromwich Albion in February.





Tevez kneels in frustration after missing time and time again

Prediction:


Arsenal beat City 3-0 at Manchester in October. If you believe in history, City has not beaten Arsenal in London since 1975. The Gunners, nevertheless, have lost 3 times this season at home. City will look to break up the passing play and capitalize on counter attacks.


Pick:


Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City




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