After a busy week in the Champions League and Europa League, Sunday’s fixture will be a very hard fought battle for both Wenger’s Arsenal and Guardiola’s Manchester City and could be a crucial game with regard to the title race.
Manchester City vs Arsenal: Match Preview
Form
Manchester City have got off to a phenomenal start this season, scoring 29 goals in their opening 10 games, and currently stand undefeated at the top of the Premier League. City have been obliterating teams this season, and exposing defences. They have not only been exceptional in the Premier League, but they are also undefeated in the Champions League. Midweek, saw City claim victory over Calcio A leaders, Napoli in a 4-2 victory away from home.
Arsenal, however, has had a shaky start to the season so far, losing to both Watford and Stoke City. Though recently they have been able to discover some good form, demolishing Everton 5-2, and securing 3 points against Swansea, winning 2-1. Arsenal haven’t had an excellent track record come away matches, having lost 3 out of 4 of them. Midweek, the Gunners drew with Red Star Belgrade in a Europa League bore draw. Even though it secured them a spot in the knockout stages, it wasn’t an impressive performance.
Team News
Manchester City still are without the likes of both Benjamin Mendy, and Vincent Kompany, but even without these world class defenders, Man City are coping just fine. In positive news, Man City have no attackers injured which makes it evident that the game will consist of many goals.
Arsenal’s defence have been struggling lately without central defender Shkodran Mustafi, who picked up a hamstring injury last month. This may prove costly for the Arsenal defence as City’s attack have been ruthless when dealing with weak defences. Recently, Arsenal have been playing Nacho Monreal at centre back, he has excelled in this position and even received a Premier League player of the month nomination.
Projected Lineups
Manchester City starting XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva, Sterling, Sane, Aguero
Arsenal starting XI: Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Monreal, Koscielny, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Ramsey, Ozil, Lacazette, Sanchez
Prediction
ExtraTime Talk writers have decided on a 3-1 win in favour of Manchester City. It is clear that Man City’s attack is in excellent form, and the Arsenal defence will be exposed. This match will only strengthen City’s strong title claim. However if Arsenal wins, it will definitely intensify the title race.
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