Prediction: Manchester City vs Arsenal

Having dropped another two points as they shared spoils with Everton, Manchester City will see this match as a must-win game, so Manuel Pellegrini will be delighted to welcome back Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero to the starting line-up. Meanwhile, this will be a perfect opportunity for Arsenal to show they have what it takes to mix it up with the best of them in England.

Not so long ago, Manchester City trailed leaders Chelsea by six points and had key men Kompany and Aguero on the sidelines, so it was hardly surprising that many pundits believed the Premiership title chase was effectively over. With Edin Dzeko also struggling through injury, Manuel Pellegrini used midfielder James Milner in a centre forward role in some games, but the whole team did really well to compensate for the absentees and helped City cancel the six-point gap. The Citizens have since fallen behind Chelsea having shared spoils with Everton, but things are, nonetheless, looking much better than few weeks ago. Namely, City now have an extra option up front having splashed out on Wilfried Bony, while the likes of Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany are both fit to play. As a result, the Citizens can be trusted to continue the rich vein of form, especially since Arsenal rarely impress when facing the top sides on the road. Manuel Pellegrini again has some selection worries seeing as Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri are unavailable, whilst Edin Dzeko faces a fitness test, but the Etihad outfit should have enough quality to see off the Gunners in the high-profile clash.

Midway through the season, Arsenal are just one point behind top 4 positions, which is not such a bad result given everything the Gunners had to contend with this term. The Emirates outfit have reason for optimism at the moment, mostly because several important players have returned into action, although team’s record against top 4 sides remain pretty disappointing. And while Alexis Sanchez is proving to be one of club’s best ever signings, some of his teammates will have to step up to the plate if the Gunners are to stand any chance of avoiding defeat at the Etihad. And while Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey have all resumed full training, the reality is none of them is in the best possible shape, which could prove to be a major issue when facing the Premier League holders. With Mathieu Debuchy set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Arsene Wenger will be delighted to welcome back Calum Chambers to the squad, but even Arsenal’s first choice back four will have their work cut out for them against the likes of Aguero, Silva and Jovetic.

Conclusion

Manchester City will be buoyed by the return of arguably two best players, and their good Premier League run against Arsenal looks set to continue. The Gunners have shown some promise of late, but with their key men either struggling for fitness or far from the desired form, I cannot see them getting anything from this match.

Verdict: Home win Manchester City (1)

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: William Hill