As the Premier League returns following the national team break, we’ve immediately got a vital clash for this season’s standings on our hands. On Sunday afternoon, title holders Manchester City bost surrent league leaders Arsenal in what may end up being a ttitle decided with just nine matchdays left to go this season. Pep Guardiola’s side is essentially forced to take home a win in this clash of giants, for the simple fact that otherwise it will be out of their hands whether they will be able to take home this fifth title in the last six years or not. With the added factor of Liverpool – who along with Arsenal stands one point ahead of City at the moment – who will also play at home against Brighton today, likely to take home three points. And with a clash against high-flying Aston Villa on the horizon next week, City cannot afford anymore missteps.
City have ulterior motives for winning this match. They lost the reverse fixture at the Emirates 1-0 earlier in the season, thier first loss to Arsenal in years in the league. Manchester City however have not yet lost a single game at home yet this season, and cam count on the fact that Arsenal have not won at the Etihad since January 2015, over nine years ago. But then again, we saw Borussia Dortmund break their ten-year losing streak at the Allianz Arena yesterday, so who is to say the Gunners can’t break their curse as well this weekend? In terms of team news, Arsenal have all their players available minus Jurrien Timber, who tore his ACL earlier in the season. City, on th other hand, will wish the national team break had never come, as two of their starting English defenders, Stones and Walker, came off injured under Southgate’s watchful eye this week. This will force Guardiola into cahnging up his backline, which will likely consist of four natural centerbacks. Whether Arsenal’s pacy set of wingers in Martinellin and Saka can exploit this weakness remains to be seen.
Overall, I can’t bet against Manchester City just yet. They’ve been dominant in recent years in the Premier League while Arsenal have not won a title in almost two decades. However, don’t be surprised if the Gunners take home a point this afternoon: they have been electric in attack recently in the Premier League, and have not conceded much either. With that being said, I do expect both teams to score, listed at 1.66, a relatively safe bet. An ouright Manchester City win at 2.14 is also something to consider if, like me, you think the Citizens are favoured in this one. If you this Arsenal can take something away from this match, a Gunners win or draw (double chance) at 1.68 is also good value for money. For more football betting tips and previews, as well as a fantastic crypto casino experience, head over to CoinGames today!
Manchester City to Win – 2.14
Draw – 3.60
Arsenal to Win – 3.25
