Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Preview and Bettor.com’s Prediction of Starting Eleven of Arsenal. Part I
On Sunday, the north London giants, Arsenal will encounter Manchester City on Sunday in a must-win clash at the East lands. Arsene Wenger team will have the massive task of disposing Manchester City’s threat, in an away fixture.
Without a doubt, it is the most crucial fixture of Premier League’s ninth week. Manchester City who spent 130 million pounds in the summers to bring in big names from all over the world has been dubbed as serious title contenders this season. While on the
other side, Arsenal is looking to end their trophy drought of last five years.
In the last few games against the Manchester City, Arsenal had to endure a few disappointments, but this time they are brimming with confidence that the result will be a positive one.
Last season, Arsenal lost in this very fixture by three goals to one and along with that, they hardly managed to draw against Blues at their home.
In what is set to be an electrifying, possibly aggressive meeting, the Gunners will look to derail the highly expensive Manchester City, who are starting to live up to their expensive promise that their limitless funds have bought.
Manchester City is considered as potential Barclays Premier League title contender. The optimism may not be ill placed considering Roberto Mancini men are laying in second place after eight rounds of matches. The blue team from Manchester have given a good
account of themselves this season so far. Manchester City proved to be the only team which defeated English Premier League title holders Chelsea by one goal to nil. Citizen ended Carlo Ancelotti’s unbeaten run of five matches.
Moreover, Manchester City also thrashed eighteen times English Premier League title holder, Liverpool, with three goals to nil. The match against Arsenal may be another big test for Roberto Mancini’s men.
However, Arsene Wenger squad would be without the service of their prolific striker Robin Van Persie, who is injured since September. Along with that, there are huge defensive crisis for Arsenal as their defence leader Thomas Vermaelen and their new signing
Laurent Koscielny both would be missing the match.
On the other side of the battlefield, Roberto Mancini has other headaches to alleviate. The brothers Kolo Toure and Yaya Toure will not be able to take part and will be accompanied by Alex Nimely, Michael Johnson, and left-back Aleksandar Kolarov in the
physiotherapist rooms.
Both the teams of this crucial fixture have regained winning ways in recent weeks. The Gunners will enter the game high on confidence, having thrashed Ukraine giants Shakhtar Dontesk 5-1 in the Champions League. Prior to their European conquer; Arsene Wenger’s
men overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat a doughty Birmingham City outfit 2-1.
After performing extremely well during last two fixtures, the Gunners are on a wave of euphoria, but steps must be taken to ensure they do not get complacent for this important fixture.
Manchester City are flying high, the endless river of money looking like finally is paying out. The Citizens have been in good form, and last weekend came away with a hard fought 3-2 win in a tricky game against Blackpool. It was thanks to City’s new captain
Carlos Tevez who scored 2 and the left winger from Spain David Silva also got his name on the score sheet.
In addition to that, Manchester City thrashed a European side during midweek fixture, thanks to former Arsenal player Adebayor who scored a fabulous hat trick for his team.
Nonetheless, a win for Arsenal will bring hope back to their fans and possibly restore their presence as genuine title contenders. However, a loss will surely all but destroy Gunners’ title hopes.
To be continued...
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