Prediction: Manchester City vs Arsenal

23rd October 2010

The derby of the round will see second-placed Manchester City entertain Arsene Wenger’s kindergarten in what should be an enthralling encounter at City of Manchester Stadium. The hosts are high on confidence following the run of four straight victories, while the Gunners will look to continue where they left off in the Champions League.

After eight rounds Manchester City sit in second place, just two points adrift of Chelsea and I have to say that is much better start than anyone expected. The Citizens have not only done well against the bottom table teams, but they have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea as well, which proves they are finally looking like a real team. There is no doubt Roberto Mancini’s side are stronger than last season, but with so many new players arriving in the summer, they will need some more time to fully gel. While the recent results are more than impressive, their performances are not that great as City still mostly rely on individual qualities of their players, and that is hardly going to be enough against a side like Arsenal. Roberto Mancini can be happy that the injury situation is finally improving since Mario Balotelli could return to contention, but Kolo Toure and Jo remain injury doubts, while Aleksandar Kolarov is not yet match fit.

Arsenal are even more inconsistent than their next opponents, but the reason for that is completely different. The Gunners had had a great start to the season at the time when Arsene Wenger had almost full squad to choose from, but as numerous injuries coincided with the busy schedule, their performances, as well as results, started to suffer. Both team’s defeats this season came just few days after difficult Cup ties, so Arsene Wenger will have been happy with five days between the 5:1 victory over Shakhtar and the City game. Cesc Fabregas’ return into action is even more satisfying than the resounding Champions League win and it is the Spaniard who will have to lead the side to a good result at Eastlands. Theo Walcott also returned into action and he is bound to play some part in this clash, just like fit-again Bacary Sagna. Jack Wilshire is suspended following the red card against Birmingham, whereas Almunia, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Van Persie and Ramsey remain sidelined.

Conclusion

Manchester City look to be in a very good form but there is still that lack of cohesion in the side that could prove to be a problem against Arsenal. The Gunners have massive problems at the back but keep scoring goals for fun, so a high-scoring game is definitely on the cards, with draw the most likely outcome here.

Verdict: Draw (X)

Best Odds: 17/8

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler