Arsene Wenger and his men make way to the Etihad Stadium this weekend to go one on one with Manchester City. Although, Arsenal devotees may not be gratified by this, but by no means can we anticipate this face off without taking note of the 6-3 scorecard when the Gunners visited Manchester in the last Premier League season. Nevertheless, the Premier League season has come just half way through and neither Arsenal nor Manchester City have really made it big as of now. Disappointingly, Wenger’s men have managed to bag in a victory in just one of their last four away fixtures.
Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini’s side have managed to register convincing victories in six of out of seven home games. Arsenal currently find themselves in the 5th slot of the Premier League standings, whilst, Man City stay in the 2nd position, three places ahead of that of the visitors. The Etihad face off could be a season-exemplifying one, for the visitors continue their run for a slot in the top four, while the hosts come hunting down for the Premier league title.
Team News and Predictions:
The Citizens have conceded two goals in each of their past two games; a 3-2 triumph over Sunderland subsequent to a 2-2 tie with Burnley FC. That being said the responsibility of the posts by and far remains a concern for the Man City boss. Goalkeeper Joe Hart hasn’t really been in the greatest run of form in this edition of the League, nor has he been bad either. He has been rather mediocre. However, the Englishman did put a good fight against Everton last week and is likely to keep his place between the posts.
Coming to the defence line up, Pablo Zabaleta remains the top pick at the right. The Argentine has been in supreme touch- one of the best in the League so far and can turn out to be a real threat to the Gunners. The veteran Martín Demichelis, too has been going strong in the blue jersey. Rather calm and composed in his approach and can be equally dangerous if he gets going. Meanwhile, the skipper Vincent Kompany is all set to start against Arsenal post his recovery from the hamstring injury at Goodison Park. Pellegrini would love to welcome the Belgian back to his squad. Gael Clichy too, has picked up some momentum lately and is likely to start at the left.
A bit of bad news in store for Man City fans. Samir Nasri might just remain out of action against the Gunners owing to a calf injury. However, with James Milner featuring on the charts, the boss would have little to worry. On the other hand, with Yaya Toure currently with Ivory Coast for the African Nations Cup; Pellegrini would bank upon Fernando to feature in the middle of the park. David Silva is another worthy player in the line up. The Spaniard has been well up to the snuff, and the manager would surely not wish to keep him sidelined for the big game. Meanwhile, Fernandinho continues to go neat in the City jersey, whereas, Jesús Navas might come in for a handful in shoring up the midfield on Super Sunday.
Sergio Aguero will be jockeying for his first start, after a cameo against Everton last weekend. Although, he seemed wanting for fitness, the Argentine is expected to shrug off his fitness concerns and come down in good shape against the Gunners. It would be really interesting to see Aguero go head to head with Alexis Sanchez at the Etihad Stadium.
Loads to unfold at Manchester this weekend as The Citizens gear up to welcome The Gunners. Meanwhile, here is our sneak peek into the possible eleven whom Pellegrini may likely line up against Wengers’ men:
- Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
- Defence: Pablo Zabaleta, Martín Demichelis, Vincent Kompany, Gael Clichy
- Midfield: Fernando, James Milner, Fernandinho, David Silva, Jesús Navas
- Attack: Sergio Aguero
Manchester City League Standing: 2
League Points: 47
League Form:DWWDW
Possible Formation: 4-2-3-1
