Man City v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man City host Arsenal in a potential English Premier League title decider on Sunday. The Gunners scored late to win the reverse meeting 1-0 at home. That ended a 12-match losing streak in the league to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Man City Form

City have been in great form for many months. Their last 19 matches have yielded 17 wins. A 6-2 thrashing of Luton Town in the FA Cup saw Erling Haaland score five goals. A 3-1 home win in the Manchester derby over United saw 3.33 Expected Goals produced.

A 3-1 home win over FC Copenhagen sealed progression to the UEFA Champions League last eight with a 6-2 aggregate scoreline. A somewhat fortunate 1-1 draw at Anfield followed as they allowed Liverpool to outshot them 12-3 in the second half. A 2-0 win over Newcastle before the FIFA break saw City reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola will hope to have Ederson available in goal after a thigh injury. Kyle Walker and John Stones were injured on England duty and the latter looks certain to miss out. Walker will hope to be available for this one.

Manuel Akanji withdrew from Switzerland duty early due to a knock but he is expected to be fit. Kevin De Bruyne is also likely to shake off a groin problem to start. Matheus Nunes is another who had an injury scare on international duty.

Man City Motivation

Focus and motivation is at 100%. Some players withdrew from international matches to be fully fresh and fit for this clash.

City would see a draw as a slight disappointment and will look to seize control of the title race with a three-point haul.

Arsenal Form

Mikel Arteta’s side have won eight successive league matches. Last time out, they beat FC Porto on penalties after a 1-0 win after extra time. That saw them reach the UCL quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years. Their 1-0 first -eg loss in Portugal is their only recent loss.

In the league, they beat Crystal Palace 5-0 and picked up a key 3-1 home win over Liverpool. A 6-0 thrashing of West Ham and a 5-0 win at Burnley followed. After the setback in Porto, they beat Newcastle 4-1 and won 6-0 at Sheffield United. A 2-1 home win over Brentford preceded the Porto second-leg victory.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta is without Jurrien Timber, but David Raya is back from missing out against his parent club in the last league match. Left winger Gabriel Martinelli will hope to shake off a foot injury but Leandro Trossard has impressed of late.

Bukayo Saka is expected to start after withdrawing from England duty. Gabriel missed Brazil’s matches due to Achilles pain but is another set to be in the starting XI for this crunch clash.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners will take confidence from ending their City hoodoo in the reverse fixture.

They would take a draw at the Etihad and live to fight another day in the title race.

Key Stats

Man City have won 17 of their last 19 matches.

City’s Erling Haaland has scored 10 goals in his last 9 matches.

The last 13 EPL meetings between these sides have seen 12 wins for Man City.

Arsenal have won their last 8 EPL matches (33 goals scored)

Arsenal’s Havertz has scored 4 goals in his last 6 matches.

Verdict

This match is too close to call. The starting XIs will be important to see if Walker, Akanji, Saka, and Martinelli are fit to start. Arsenal are playing very well and may have what it takes to take a point at the Etihad.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 goals at 2.05

Alternate Bet: Arsenal win/draw double chance at 2.00

Goalscorer Tip: Erling Haaland and Kai Havertz to both score anytime at 8.06

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis