Manchester City will entertain Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a Premier League fixture with huge significance to the title race and the battle for the top four. You can bet on this game here.
The Citizens faltered again in the title race on Tuesday night when they were turned over by a tactically disciplined Newcastle United. Second half goals from Salomon Rondon and Matt Ritchie were enough to undo their early lead which came after just 24 seconds. The fact that Liverpool also dropped points has thrown City a lifeline, but Pep Guardiola knows that they can’t afford any more slip-ups.
Arsenal for their part have been hugely disappointing away from home since early December. To this end, they have not won a Premier League away game since beating Bournemouth 2-1 on November 25th. One thing for sure though is that despite their poor performances away from home, they have maintained an admirable consistency in front of goal.
The big question that begs now is; can Man City get their title challenge back on track against Arsenal?
Betting preview
Unai Emery’s men have scored at least once in ten of their 11 Premier League away matches this season, however, they are the only team in the division yet to secure a clean sheet on their travels this season. Backing Both Teams to Score looks good here at odds of 1.55.
The Citizens have won each of their last four meetings with Arsenal, and they should extend that winning streak against them to five games this weekend. You can back a Home Win at odds of 1.30.
There have been Over 2.5 Goals scored in all but one of the last five Arsenal games and the same is true for City. Therefore there is a high likelihood for another Over 2.5 Goals to land here at odds of 1.35.
Team news
Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus are set to start against Arsenal on Sunday as they didn’t play in midweek. Ederson injured his leg but the Brazilian may have to play on against Arsenal due to lack of cover. Benjamin Mendy could also return for the defending Premier League champions.
Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka are expected back in the starting lineup at the Etihad whereas Laurent Koscielny will be assessed following a nasty jaw injury last week that could see him miss out again here. Ainsley Maitland-Niles could also start after missing against Cardiff due to a knee injury.
Possible lineups
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy, B. Silva, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling
Arsenal: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Mustafi, Monreal, Kolasinac, Torreira, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Ramsey, Lacazette, Aubameyang.