Premier League preview: Manchester City v Arsenal

Arsenal face the sternest test of their revival on Sunday, journeying to Etihad Stadium to meet league leaders Manchester City.

The Gunners made a dreadful start to season 2011/12 after losing talismanic midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, claiming just seven points from a possible 21 to start the campaign.

But since their 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals Spurs on October 2, Arsene Wenger’s side have been one of the form teams in the English Premier League, winning seven of their last eight matches with the only blemish a 1-1 draw with Fulham at the Emirates on November 19.

Much of that success has been built on the scoring exploits of Dutch striker Robin van Persie, who has netted an incredible 15 goals from his 15 league matches this term.

Most recently Arsenal had a stunning volley from the Dutchman to thank for their 1-0 home win over Everton on Saturday.

But on Sunday they will be confronted by a Manchester City outfit still smarting from their first league loss of the season, with Frank Lampard’s late penalty the difference in their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Roberto Mancini’s side have been the team to beat for much of the season, but the star-studded squad will be disappointed at missing out on the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Italian will be forced to make do without French defender Gael Clichy, who was sent off against Chelsea on Monday.

Clichy’s suspension puts further strain on a backline already without Aleksandar Kolarov, who has a groin problem, but Mancini should welcome back Micah Richards from a calf injury in time for the match.

Arsenal, meanwhile, face an injury toll of epic proportions – especially in their defensive stocks.

Brazilian left back Andre Santos is out for the next three months with an ankle problem, while his fellow left-back Kieran Gibbs has been missing since November with a hernia.

Right-backs Carl Jenkinson and Bacary Sagna are also out with a stress fracture and broken leg respectively, and young gun Jack Wilshere is not expected back until the New Year.

Wenger could ill-afford an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, with deputies Lukasz Fabianski (knee) and Vito Mannone (shoulder) both unavailable.