Manchester City vs Arsenal - Match Preview

Manchester City and Arsenal go toe-to-toe in arguably the biggest game of the Premier League season so far. Arsenal currently lead the table, six points ahead of fourth placed City.

City’s performances at home have demonstrated their quality, but their inability to win consistently on the road has cost them dearly. It’s difficult to fathom why a side who can post big wins at the Etihad over Newcastle (4-0), Manchester United (4-1), Norwich (7-0) and Tottenham (6-0) can struggle so badly away from home.

Arsenal have been in excellent form and deserve their place at the top of the table. The signing of Mezut Ozil galvanised their supporters, and Arsene Wenger’s men have delivered consistently where previous Arsenal sides have faltered. Many felt their early season form would subside, but it’s clear they are set to mount a serious title charge.

Team News

Manchester City

City are without Matija Nastasic who needs at least one more week before he can return from a calf injury. Stevan Jovetic and Gael Clichy returned to full training this week and could be involved.

Micah Richards suffered an injury in Munich and is unlikely to play. David Silva, who played in Munich after a five week absence, didn’t suffer any reaction and should start.

Arsenal

Bacary Sagna is a doubt and will have hamstring problem assessed but should start, while Lukas Podolski is fit again a three month lay-off but isn’t match fit.

Predicted Line-Ups

Manchester City

4-2-2-2: Pantilimon; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure; Nasri, Silva; Aguero, Negredo.

Arsenal

4-2-3-1: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Walcott, Özil, Cazorla; Giroud.

Recent Form

Both sides were in Champions League action this week, with City winning 3-2 at the Allianz Arena, while Arsenal slipped to a 2-0 defeat in Naples.

City faltered in last weekend’s 1-1 draw away at Southampton. Sergio Aguero had given them the lead, but the home side gradually came into the match and were fully deserving of their point. Southampton had the majority of possession and were slicker with their passing. City have won four and lost one of their last six matches, and have a 100% home record.

Arsenal have won four and drawn one of their last six league games, and have only lost two all season. They are the only side to reach anything like title-winning consistency, with 11 wins from their 15 matches. However, they were held to a 1-1 draw in their last league fixture at home to Everton as they failed to capitalise on City’s draw at St. Mary’s.

Players to Watch

Manchester City - David Silva

Silva returned to the starting XI against Bayern Munich after injury and scored their first before being replaced after 73 minutes. He was outstanding all evening – at the hub of everything City did going forward. He is a joy to watch, and his return will only make City stronger.

Despite being restricted to just seven league appearances, he’s created a staggering 27 chances for other players, chipping in with three goals. Aguero has quite rightly taken the plaudits for City this season, but, make no mistake, David Silva is City’s most important attacking player.

Arsenal - Aaron Ramsey

Probably the stand-out Premier league performer this season, Ramsey is now a key player in the Arsenal side. He has eight league goals already, and has created 22 chances. From a deep-lying position, those statistics are hugely impressive.

His touch and passing ability mark him out as an exceptional talent, at just 22 he will develop still further. City need to neutralise his presence in midfield in order to restrict his creativity.