Arsenal vs Manchester City: How much of a bearing will this have on the Premier League title race?

Five talking points ahead of the much anticipated match at the Emirates

A view of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal host Manchester City on Monday in an eagerly-anticipated Premier League clash that could shed further light on each side's title credentials. Here, we take a look at some talking points ahead of the game.

How much of a bearing will this have on the title race?

These two sides may be the Premier League favourites with the bookies but this can hardly be described as a title decider. The form of current leaders Leicester and the close proximity of a handful of other teams has seen to that. But their squads do look the best equipped for the long haul and the game is a chance for either side to steal a march on the other and perhaps land a psychological blow.

Will the good or bad Arsenal/City teams turn up?

It is difficult to say because both sides have played some excellent football this season but lacked the consistency to really take charge of a title race they have the capability to command. City are particularly culpable in this regard, but it is also true that both clubs have had to deal with lengthy injury lists. Recent form and home advantage suggest Arsenal could have the upper hand - but it could be very different if City are on song.

What are the chances of Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero playing?

Arsenal are hopeful Chile forward Sanchez, after three games out with a hamstring problem, will be fit after returning to training this week. City tend to be cautious over star striker Aguero, who has had numerous injury issues during his time at the club and has sat out the past five games with a heel problem. But the Argentinian has also been back training for a week and manager Manuel Pellegrini's latest update was positive.

Can City keep a clean sheet without Vincent Kompany?

The statistics suggest not. In eight Premier League games with the influential Belgian at the heart of their defence this season City have kept seven clean sheets. They have not managed one in any of the eight he has missed. With the City skipper still out with a calf problem, the chances of Arsenal scoring seem high.

Will City be affected by continuing Pep Guardiola speculation?

Pellegrini has had to put up with rumours linking Guardiola with his job throughout his tenure and he claims it does not bother him. Things seem to have been ramped up, however, as an announcement over Guardiola's future at Bayern Munich has drawn nearer. If Guardiola is to be available from the end of the season, speculation will not go away until his next destination is known. That could have the potential to undermine Pellegrini's work.

PA