Prediction: Arsenal vs Manchester City

Coming off the back of a disastrous display in the EFL Cup final last weekend, once again many Arsenal fans are questioning just how tenable Arsene Wenger’s position is. Failing to make any kind of impact against Manchester City last time out, the Gunners defensive issues were highlighted in a 3-0 hammering at Wembley. With their hopes of securing Champions League football fading by the week, Wenger’s side now sit 10 points adrift of the top four and 27 points behind the league leaders. Arsenal are now coming off the back of consecutive defeats against City and a historic upset loss at the hands of relatively unknown Ostersunds in their Europa League last 32 tie. Losing four of their last six matches, no side in the top seven have conceded more goals than the Gunners this year.

Team News

Nacho Monreal is a doubt for Arsenal after being substituted off early in Sunday’s EFL Cup final due to injury.

Sead Kolasinac replaced the Spaniard, and could start at the Emirates – though it depends on whether Wenger sticks with the three-man defence which started on Sunday, or reverts to a back four.

Manchester City

For Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side, the sky blues will be filled with confidence after collecting their first piece of silverware under their Spanish boss. Although City never quite got out of third gear on Sunday afternoon, the runaway Premier League leaders will be confident about securing back-to-back victories over the Gunners in the space of five days. Guardiola’s side now hold a 13 point advantage over second-place Manchester United and have now scored 12 goals in their last four matches in all competitions.  City’s dominance in the final third has been epitomized by the recent form of striker Sergio Aguero, the Argentinian forward now has 11 goals in his last nine matches, including one against Arsenal in the EFL final last weekend.

Striker Gabriel Jesus (knee) could come into contention after almost two months out, though Raheem Sterling is doubtful. Fabian Delph remains suspended, so Oleksandr Zinchenko or Danilo could feature with Benjamin Mendy (knee) out long term.

City’s No.1 goalkeeper Ederson should retain his starting role despite Claudio Bravo’s EFL Cup final assist for Sergio Aguero, while Fernandinho is out.

Key Factors to Consider

• No team in the top seven have conceded more goals than Arsenal this year (36).
• Manchester City have only lost once in their last six matches against Arsenal (W3, D2).
• Arsenal have now lost four of their last six matches in all competitions.
• Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has now scored 11 goals in his last nine matches.
• Sky Blue playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has assisted or scored 10 time in his last nine appearances.

Conclusion

Although the Arsenal boss will be hoping for a delayed response from his misfiring side, it is hard to see the Gunners coming away with anything other than more negatives on Thursday night. Putting three past Wenger’s side in the EFL Cup final last weekend, Guardiola will know that a victory at the Emirates will briefly give the Sky Blues a 15 point gap over Manchester United.

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 8/11