Match Preview: Arsenal vs Manchester City

A tough match awaits at Emirates this Sunday. Having drawn with Arsenal at the Eithiad earlier this season, Manchester City might be looking to get all 3-points to boost their title challenge . On the other hand, Arsenal too are in the need points to safeguard their place in the top 4 and to decrease the 5-point gap with Tottenham.

Arsenal form in last 5 matches: D D W W W

Win Vs Reading – 2-5Win Vs Wigan Athletic – 1-0Win vs Newcastle – 7-3Draw Vs Southampton – 1-1Draw vs Swansea – 2-2

Manchester City form in last 5 matches: W W W L W

Win vs Watford – 3-0Win Vs Stoke City – 3-0Win Vs Norwich – 4-3Loss Vs Sunderland – 0-1Win Vs Reading – 1-0

Probable Line ups:

Arsenal

Szczesny; Sagna,Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Chamberlain, Cazorla, Podolski; Walcott

Substitutes: Mannone, Jenkinson, Diaby, Giroud, Koscielny.

With Diaby coming back after injury, he may get a look-in as City will be without Yaya Toure, who will be playing for his nation in AFCON. A player like Diaby can easily boss the midfield with Toure missing. Cazorla as usual would look to play behind striker Theo Walcott. Arsene may though play Theo on right or may bench him to bring on Giroud but that seems unlikely. After 2 poor performances, Wenger would hope for Walcott to click against City .

Manchester City

Hart; Zabaleta, Lescott, Kompany, Clichy; Garcia, Barry; Milner, Tevez, Silva; Dzeko

With Yaya Toure off to AFCON, Nasri suspended , Aguero injured and a recent feud with Balotelli, it’s a huge problem for City and Mancini. Tevez should play in the hole with Dzeko ahead of him and Garcia and Barry playing as defensive cover.

Match Preview:

With so many injuries and suspensions, Arsenal have the advantage. And with Yaya Toure missing in midfield, Arsenal would look to boss the midfield. Jack Wilshere, Diaby and Arteta, either two of them should easily pull the strings. And if Walcott clicks and if things work in their favour they look sure favourites to win. City would have to rely on Dzeko – Tevez partnership.

Odds:Win For Arsenal: 5/8Win For City: 5/11Draw: 3/5

Walcott To Score: 1/5Tevez To Score: 2/7Arsenal to keep a clean sheet and win: 3/7Manchester City to keep a clean sheet and win: 4/13