Preview
The much-awaited matchup between the top two teams in the Premier League is finally here, and the Emirates will not be a venue for the faint of heart when league leaders Arsenal take on reigning champions Manchester City, who will overtake them with a win.
As Mikel Arteta’s team defeated rivals and silenced the doubters in a brilliant run spanning 13 games from September to their last-gasp victory over Manchester United last month, the Gunners appeared to be imperious in the pursuit of their first championship since 2003 for so long. Only twice did they drop points with draws. There is no getting around the fact that they are being pursued by a Manchester City team that seems to have used the Premier League’s findings against them as motivation for their title challenge.
Manchester City is currently in second place in the Premier League standings and has not been at its best so far this season. The Cityzens eased past Aston Villa by a comfortable 3-1 scoreline in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this week.
Arsenal, on the other hand, is at the top of the league table at the moment and has been impressive over the course of their campaign. The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford over the weekend and will need to take it up a notch in this fixture. Arsenal remains the favorite for the title, but both teams have faltered in recent weeks, and question marks over Erling Haaland’s fitness only add further intrigue to the game.
Form Guide: Arsenal
After coming off the bench just after the hour mark, Leandro Trossard scored his first goal for the Gunners in just four minutes, but Arteta’s team suffered from a significant error’ from VAR that failed to spot Ethan Pinnock or Christian Norgaard in offside positions; the latter ultimately set up Ivan Toney for a 74th-minute equalizer.
Since November, Arsenal has held the top spot in the Premier League, but their eight-point advantage has been reduced to only three after they lost three of their last five games. On Wednesday, the defending champions will test Arsenal’s home winning streak.
The Gunners have lost all 10 of their previous Premier League encounters with the Citizens, which is their longest losing streak against a team in the top level. The Gunners fell 1-0 away to Man City in the FA Cup fourth round last month.
A statement win on Wednesday would give Arteta’s team a major boost going into a favorable run of seven consecutive matches against none of the so-called top six clubs, but defeat to Guardiola and co. would not be a complete disaster for Arsenal and their title hopes with 16 league matches remaining, including a game in hand against their rivals.
Form Guide: Manchester City
Manchester City replied in defiant form with a 3-1 victory against Aston Villa in front of an enraged Etihad crowd on Sunday after being accused of breaking more than 100 financial regulations by the Premier League and facing the threat of unprecedented sanctions, including points reductions or expulsion.
Indeed, chants against the Premier League anthem, songs in support of the club’s owners and manager, and the display of numerous amusing banners seemed to inspire City’s players. A first-half onslaught that included goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, and Riyad Mahrez ultimately decided the game, and Ollie Watkins’ goal for Villa midway through the second half.
Guardiola will have been pleased to see his team recover from their discouraging 1-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur the week prior. While the off-field legal battle is to come, City’s next challenge takes place at the Emirates against an Arsenal team seeking to snatch their top-flight title. Guardiola now has the most Premier League wins (184) as a manager after 250 games.
The Citizens have liked their recent trips to the red part of North London as they have triumphed in each of their past six away games against Arsenal in all competitions. This record also comes with the possibility of moving up to the top of the league.
How the game could go
Arsenal faces Manchester City at Emirates on Wednesday evening. Both teams need the win for different reasons, with the Gunners looking to add City to their scalps list. The Gunners are getting stronger this season with each game. They have strengthened their position at the top of the table. They dropped points in back-to-back two games so it might hurt them in the title race.
Manchester City is the clear favorite to win the Premier League title for the third successive season. They have beaten Arsenal in the last five meetings. Manchester City would look to make a statement for the title race with another victory over Arsenal.
Manchester City has struggled recently and has failed to capitalize on Arsenal’s losses to gain points on the league leaders. Kevin De Bruyne has not been in form and has faded from the title as the league’s best midfielder this season.
Arsenal will still be without Gabriel Jesus, but Eddie Nketiah has filled the role well enough for the side. The Gunners have not lost a game at home this season, and the only match they didn’t win was a 0-0 draw against Newcastle. This game will be won in the midfield, and at the moment, the Arsenal midfield is in better form and is playing better football.
Betting Predictions
Manchester City to Win
Manchester City is in the papers for all the wrong reasons right now but all the team can do is continue to perform on the pitch and hopefully, the rest will sort itself out. Manchester City has won each of their last six encounters with Arsenal in all competitions and we’re backing the visitors to secure all 3pts on Wednesday night as well. Arsenal has lost two and drawn one of their last three matches in the league and cup, while Man City have won four of their last five outings, adding further weight to our prediction. Bet9ja have 2.46, 1xbet have 2.48 and Paripesa have 2.48 odds.
Over 2.5 goals
The league’s top two offenses will face off against one another, potentially with the championship on the line. City leads the league with 56 goals through 22 games, and Arsenal is close behind with 46 goals through 21 games. Additionally, three or more goals were scored in 15 of the previous 20 meetings between the two teams. It looks like there is a good probability that Wednesday will see a lot of goals. Two attack-oriented clubs who try to play on the offensive whenever possible are City and Arsenal. Both teams have a lot of attacking talent in their ranks, and both will be eager to engage in combat with the other. Bet9ja have 1.4 odds 1.83 Paripesa have 1.92, and 1xbet have 1.92 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (Arsenal)
Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah is on a three-game scoring drought having previously been in great form. He has been quite the replacement since Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus had his injury, filling the gap left by the striker impressively. He still has a lot to learn but we think he can display a good game today given his record against top sides this season in the League. Bet9ja have 3.60 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 4.20.
Bukayo Saka
The winger has been a mainstay for Arteta this season in this fully talented squad. He has had a lot of good performances this season and scored goals. With seven goals in the league this season it is no wonder he has been tipped for a goal today. He has a knack for scoring against big sides and there is no bigger team than Manchester City today. Bet9ja have 4.60 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 4.40.
Anytime Goalscorer (Manchester City)
Haaland
Assuming Haaland wins his fitness battle, he is the obvious shout to score for the visitors with his top goalscorer award already surely in the bag in his opening season in English football. It’s unusual for him not to be amongst the goals as he has been in recent games and we know the drought would come to an end soon enough. It looks as though we can get a goal or two from here today. Bet9ja have 2.45 odds for him to score while Paripesa has 1.85 odds.
Riyad Mahrez
Manchester City’s 25-goal man Erling Haaland is doubtful for this encounter after suffering a knock. Should he miss out, City may look to the likes of Riyad Mahrez for a scoring outlet, the Algerian superstar has three goals and as many assists across his last four PL appearances, so he’ll be chomping at the bit to build on that here. Bet9ja have 4.35 odds for him to score while Paripesa has 3.80 odds.
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.
