Friday, March 29, 2024

Prediction: Arsenal vs Manchester City

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

With all eyes from across the Premier League falling on the Emirates in midweek, Arsenal will welcome Manchester City to north London.

Arsenal

Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might still find themselves in the midst of a remarkable Premier League campaign, it appears that the Gunners are enduring somewhat of a recent wobble. Although Mikel Arteta’s youngsters might still find themselves holding a shock three-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table, the Gunners do have the feel of a side seeking a crucial boost on Wednesday night. Left stunned away at relegation scrappers Everton on February 4th as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at Goodison Park, fans around north London saw their side drop more points over the weekend. Eventually having to settle for a hugely controversial 1-1 draw with Brentford, Arteta’s side will be desperate to lay down a heavyweight marker at the Emirates. Although Arsenal might find themselves seeking a February boost, it should be highlighted that the Gunners have lost just a pair of their Premier League appearances so far this season.

Team News

Although ex-Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus might be inching closer towards a return, the 25-year-old will once again miss out on Wednesday night. The trio of Mohamed Elneny, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson will also play no part in midweek.

While January arrival Leandro Trossard might have bagged his first Arsenal strike over the weekend, the Belgium international will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, managing to make an essential return to winning ways over the weekend, Manchester City will now be feeling like they can defend their Premier League crown in 2023. While Pep Guardiola’s superstars might have been left stunned on February 5th as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Tottenham, the former Barcelona boss saw his side come roaring back in some style. Eventually putting on a first-half romp as they cruised their way to a 3-1 romp against Aston Villa a few days ago, the Sky Blues now sit just three points adrift of Wednesday’s hosts. Making an immediate return to winning ways, Guardiola’s side should also be boosted by an eye-catching record against their title rivals. Extending on their FA Cup adventure last month after securing a 1-0 victory against the Gunners on home soil, City have won each of their last six straight meetings – a run that stems back to July 2020.

Team News

Manchester City will make the trip to the Emirates in midweek without England international John Stones. However, Kevin De Bruyne will keep his spot in Guardiola’s midfield after returning against Aston Villa last weekend.

While Erling Haaland might have drawn a blank in three domestic appearances on the spin, the Premier League record-breaker will spearhead City’s attack on Wednesday night.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When the two sides last met on January 27th while on FA Cup duties, Manchester City claimed a 1-0 victory at the Etihad.
    • In fact, the defending Premier League champions have won each of their last six straight meetings against the Gunners.
    • Arsenal have failed to win back-to-back Premier League meetings for the first time this season.
    • Manchester City have remarkably lost each of their last three domestic away fixtures across all formats.
    • The Gunners have failed to record a clean sheet in any of their previous four domestic matchups across all competitions.

    Conclusion

    In what could prove to be a season-defining showdown from the Emirates on Wednesday night, neutrals from across the Premier League will be hoping for an electric affair. With Arsenal now collecting just a single point from their back-to-back Premier League appearances, Arteta’s youngsters find the defending champions breathing firmly down their neck. However, while Manchester City might have cruised their way to a 3-1 romp at home against Aston Villa over the weekend, the Sky Blues have shown some extended issues on the road. Although it might be Guardiola’s side who have won each of their last six straight meetings against the Gunners, they will know that they face another huge task here. In a showdown that could see chances come thick and fast, we’re backing both teams to find the net.

    Verdict: Both teams to score

    Best Odds: 7/10

    Bookmaker: Unibet

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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