Arsenal v Manchester City: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium

Arsène Wenger (Getty)

Time and time again we see Arsenal squander title winning positions in the Premier League. It’s been a regular occurrence at the Emirates over the years, so much so they went from being involved in the title race to being locked in a battle to secure a top fourth position – in only a matter of 10 days. Saturday’s home game against in-form Manchester City will be widely deemed as a must win match for both clubs. But with the likes of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur edging closer towards a European spot Arsenal will need to hit the ground running if they intend to strengthen their Champions League aspirations.

Following their convincing 3-0 win against fierce rivals Manchester United in midweek City will be firmly in the ascendancy this Saturday. Manuel Pellegrini’s men will seek to compound Arsene Wenger’s woes further, knowing a victory will enhance their Premier League title credentials and inflict a huge blow to Arsenal’s chances.

Free-scoring City will still be without their talisman Sergio Aguero due to his ongoing knee injury. But Edin Dzeko has been in great form for City since deputising for the injured Argentine -where he will be aiming to punish the Arsenal defence once more. Having capitulated in recent weeks a win against one of the big boys will be imperative for the Gunners; if not then it looks set to be frantic end for Arsenal’s season.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5.30pm.

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Manchester City 6 (Aguero, Negredo, Fernandinho 2, Silva, Toure) Arsenal 3 (Walcott 2, Mertesacker), Premier League, December 2013.

Arsenal 0 Manchester City 2 (Milner, Dzeko), Premier League, January 2013

Manchester City 1 (Lescott) Arsenal 1 (Koscielny), Premier League, September 2012

STATS:

Arsenal haven’t scored more than two goals at home against Manchester City since 2007.

Since the new millennium Manchester City have only managed to beat Arsenal once away from home, which was a 2-0 win in January 2013.

Since 2010 six players have been sent off in this fixture.

Arsenal’s biggest win against City was in 2000 when they emphatically won 5-0.

ODDS:

Arsenal win: 3.85

Norwich win: 2.12

Draw: 3.65

CLASSIC MOMENT:

Last December Arsenal were humiliated at the Etihad when Manchester City smashed six goals past Wojciech Szczesny to seal an enthralling 6-3 victory and send a firm message to their title rivals that they mean business.

TV: Highlights on BBC 1, Match of the Day, 10:30