Preview
After a three-game run without a win in the league, Arsenal bounced back with the 4-2 thrashing of Leeds United last week, which put them in tenth place in the standings. However, the Gunners weren’t able to build on that victory in midweek as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Benfica in the UEFA Europa League. They will be hoping to get back to winning ways come Sunday.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are running away with the Premier League title. The 3-1 win over Everton in midweek in the Premier League meant Guardiola’s side have now opened up a ten-point lead over second-placed Manchester United and are currently on a seventeen-game winning streak across all competitions. They will be looking to extend that run and bag three more points at the Emirates.
The reverse fixture, played at the Etihad Stadium, saw Manchester City beat Arsenal 1-0, with Raheem Sterling finding the back of the net. The two teams also met in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December last year, with the Cityzens winning 4-1 at the Emirates.
How the Match could Go
Manchester City will be looking to continue their march towards regaining the Premier League title when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won their last 17 matches across all competitions, including 12 in the league to move 10 points clear at the top of the table and 22 points above this weekend’s hosts, who sit 10th.
Manchester City are a winning machine at the moment and it is difficult to see them being stopped by an Arsenal side in inconsistent form and with a dreadful recent record in this fixture.
The attacking options at the home side’s disposal may be enough for them to get a goal against this rock-solid Man City defence, but that may be all they have to cheer this weekend.
Tip: Manchester City Win
With the exception of a miracle, Manchester City are widely expected to win this one. The Gunners might be stronger at home but can they stop Guardiola’s machine side at the moment? It seems unlikely. City also boast a good record at this venue and it goes all the way back to 2015 before Arsenal won Guardiola’s men in the Premier League at this venue. We’re tipping City to extend their win record. Bet365 have 1.50 odds, 1xbet have 1.53 and Bet9ja have 1.54.
Over 2.5 Goals
Manchester City have scored at least three goals alone in their last three games. They seem like they are scoring for fun and there’s no reason why it won’t carry on today. The Gunners don’t have the best of defences and we can expect another high-scoring game. However, it is a game where Mikel Arteta’s men could easily get on the score-sheet as well. That is why we’re expecting at least three goals. This one also leads us to the tip below. Bet9ja have 1.75, Bet365 have 1.80 and 1xbet have 1.85.
Both Teams to Score: YES
While City are in their best form at the moment, we can’t also ignore the fact that Arsenal are a much better side at home. All things point to a win for City but the Gunners have enough quality to at least get a goal or two today. City’s defence have not been exactly tested of late and Arsenal might give them some trouble at the back. With that in mind, we’re expecting goals at both ends. Bet9ja have 1.81 odds while 1xbet and Bet365 have 1.95.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Arsenal)
Aubameyang
The Arsenal captain comes into this game with full confidence, having scored his first Premier League hat-trick against Leeds last time out. Last year, he also bagged a brace against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. If the Gunners have a chance of scoring or making an upset, he is their best shot. Surprisingly, the bookies don’t think he can score as Bet365 have 3.00 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 3.10.
Saka
With five league goals to his name, the Arsenal youngster is the teenager with most league goals across Europe’s top-five leagues. He continues to get better with each game and has already proven to be a threat on the flanks. He is a value candidate to get on the score-sheet. There is massive value here, Bet9ja have a whopping 6.00 odds while Bet365 have it better at 6.50.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Manchester City)
Sterling
With eight league goals to his name, only Gundogan has scored more for Manchester City this season. Sterling is in good form at the moment and has scored in four of City’s last five away games – three times after HT. He also has a good record against Arsenal and he could yet add to their woes today. Bet9ja have 2.40 odds while Bet365 have 2.50.
Mahrez
With Gundogan not expected to start this game, Mahrez could get another run upfront again. The Algerian has impressed of late and scored a crucial left footed thunderbolt against Everton last time out. He would be one of City’s most dangerous men upfront today. Bet9ja have 2.80 odds while Bet365 have 2.87.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
