Verdict: Manchester City to win and BTTS
Best Odds: 13/5
Bookmaker: Bet 365
Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday in a crucial Premier League clash that both sides will be desperate to win in order to improve their top-four chances. Failure to qualify for the Champions League is unthinkable for either club but as the season enters the final couple of months, it’s a very real possibility with competition stronger than ever.
Arsenal
Arsenal are currently six points behind fourth-place Liverpool but they do have two games in hand on their rivals. However, Arsene Wenger is currently facing his worst spell since 1995 with four defeats in their last five league games, their only victory coming in the 2-0 win at home to lowly Hull City in the middle of February. Of course, sandwiched in between this poor run was their humiliating 10-2 aggregate score against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The Gunners cannot afford any more slip ups and failure to win on Sunday will plunge them in to deep, deep trouble. The fans in North London are split as to whether they want Wenger to remain in charge next season but the Frenchman has refused to declare his plans for the future which will only intensify the pressure and uncertainty on himself and his players. If Arsenal manage to score the first goal then it will go a long way in calming the crowd and relieving the pressure for the rest of the game, but if they concede first then the supporters could turn hostile very quick.
Team News
Alexis Sanchez is fit to play despite suffering recently with an ankle injury. Mesut Ozil also came off the bench for Germany in the international break so should be available.
However, Petr Cech is sidelined due to a calf injury and Lucas Perez remains out.
Manchester City
Even though Manchester City are in third place and five points ahead of Manchester United in fourth spot, their rivals have a game in hand and could be two just points behind them come the end of the weekend. Pep Guardiola will be disappointed his team haven’t challenged Chelsea for the title this season but they must forget about that now and concentrate on delivering Champions League football to the Etihad next year. City seemed to have ironed out their defensive mistakes that were plighting their campaign before Christmas but they still look vulnerable on occasions. One thing they have definitely improved on is there attacking prowess which could cause Arsenal serious problems. Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in seven and have won three on the bounce away from home, scoring eight goals and conceding none. However, Arsenal’s attacking options consist of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, and keeping another clean sheet on the road will not be an easy task.
Team News
Kevin de Bruyne is a doubt with a groin strain whilst Gabriel Jesus and Ilkay Gundogan remain out with long-term injuries.
Bacary Sagna suffered a tear in his left adductor whilst away on international duty with France and could miss the game against his former club.
Key Factors to Consider
- Arsenal have lost just one of their previous 19 home clashes against Manchester City
- If City win, they will complete the double over the Gunners for the first time since 1975-76
- The last seven Premier League meetings between these two sides has produced 27 goals
- This is only the second time that Arsenal have found themselves outside the top five in the Premier League as late as April
- Arsene Wenger has only won two of his previous nine games against Pep Guardiola
Conclusion
This is a massive game for both sides that neither will want to lose. However, with Arsenal and Manchester City struggling to defend of late, there will be goals aplenty. Arsene Wenger’s misery looks set to continue and we can see the Citizens winning this match to further dent the Gunners Champions League hopes.
Verdict: Manchester City to win and BTTS
Best Odds: 13/5
Bookmaker: Bet 365
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