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3 Key Battles That Could Decide Arsenal’s Fate Against Manchester City This Weekend

The international break has been an entertaining one but the fans of the Premier League can already smell the games at the weekend. Of all the interesting matches scheduled for this weekend, Manchester City’s trip to the Emirates is sure to catch a number of views as both teams are now in the middle of a race to the top-4 that would be affected by the outcome of this game. The Gunners are in terrible form heading into this game but will hope that the international break can get them back on track. However, they will not find it easy against Pep Guardiola’s side who have found some form lately. A loss in this game will dent Arsenal’s chances of a top-4 finish and may even potentially put an end to it. So every player should be at his best to get his team over the line. Here are three key battles in this game that can decide Arsenal’s fate in this tie:

Shkodran Mustafi vs Sergio Aguero:

The German defender missed the reverse fixture earlier in the season at the Etihad which means that he will be up against the Argentine hitman for the first time in the Premier League. Though playing at home, Mustafi is expected to have a tough time marking one of the best strikers in world football. His partner, Laurent Koscielny has been exceptional this season so Aguero is expected to feed off Mustafi’s shoulder, trying to make his life miserable. If Mustafi fails to handle Aguero, there is little chance for Arsenal to take even a point from this game.

Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero

Raheem Sterling vs Nacho Monreal:

The former Liverpool winger has been in good form this season and is a regular starter for Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. He should start this game on the right flank as he will look to take on Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal. The Spanish full-back is usually solid but he has his own issues against pacey wingers and Sterling will be expected to expose him for most of the night. Both players have played against each other a number of times over the last couple of years so it will be interesting to see if Nacho Monreal can come out on top of Raheem Sterling to defend his goal.

Nacho Monreal (left) and Raheem Sterling (Centre)

Aaron Ramsey vs Fernandinho:

With Granit Xhaka not too reliable and Santi Cazorla still out, Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who is having a good time in the international break is expected to partner Francis Coquelin in the midfield for this game and he will have to play a major role if Arsenal are to win this game. Coquelin is expected to sit back and act as cover for his back-4 leaving all the midfield work to Ramsey who will play slightly higher up the field. He will be marked by Manchester City’ s Fernandinho, who has been rock solid this season and Ramsey will not only have to get the better of him but should also stop him from creating anything at the other end.

Aaron Ramsey (Front) and Fernandinho (Back)