Manchester City will be hoping to bounce back from their derby defeat when they face Arsenal on Wednesday in their match in hand. The Gunners have won three Premier League games on the bounce and are looking to end a terrible record against City. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
Pep Guardiola’s side lost 2-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result which means Liverpool are now just six points away from winning the title. City have little left to play for in the Premier League this season. They have failed to meet last season’s exceptional standards, meaning they have been unable to keep pace with leaders Liverpool. However, they have beaten the Gunners six times in a row. Can they register another routine win?
Mikel Arteta’s return to the Etihad has grabbed the headlines ahead of this meeting. Since he was appointed as Arsenal boss in December after three and a half years at City, the Gunners have shown tremendous improvement. He has won his last three league matches and can cap it off with a win against the master.
Betting preview
Manchester City have beaten Arsenal six times in a row. The Gunners have not won away against a top six side since 2015. You can back a Manchester City Win at odds of 1.30.
Manchester City have failed to find the net in the opening 45 minutes of their last five matches against top-half teams. Seven of City’s last ten home games have seen them score two goals or fewer. Therefore, you can back Manchester City to score Under 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.80.
Both teams have scored in six of Manchester City’s last eight Premier League home games. The Gunners have only kept three clean sheets in 13 league away games this season, scoring in nine of those. For that reason, you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.65.
Team news
Kevin De Bruyne missed the defeat to United with a shoulder injury but might return for the visit Arsenal. Sergio Aguero is also a doubt after coming off at Old Trafford with a thigh injury.
Aymeric Laporte is a definite absentee, while Wednesday may still be too soon for the return of Leroy Sane.
Arsenal will be without Lucas Torreira after the Uruguayan midfielder was ruled out for eight to ten weeks with an ankle injury. He joins Calum Chambers, Sead Kolasinac, Kieran Tierney and Cedric Soares on the sidelines.
Possible line-ups
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Fernandinho, Otamendi, Mendy, Gundogan, Rodri, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling.
Arsenal: Leno, Sokratis, Luiz, Mari, Saka, Xhaka, Ceballos, Pepe, Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette.