Premier League: Manchester City v Arsenal match preview
A look ahead to this week’s Premier League fixture at the Etihad
It may be too early for a title deciding fixture just yet but Saturday’s early kick off at the Etihad will answer some key questions in determining where the trophy is going to end up. Questions such as are Arsenal serious title contenders, can they produce their best against the top teams and can Manchester City’s dominant home form continue and propel them to the title.
Arsenal make the trip north sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League table but this game is arguably their toughest test so far. Man City have been in imperious form at home, winning all seven games at the Etihad this season.
Both teams go into the game coming off long but successful weeks in the Champions League but Man City will certainly be in higher spirits following their 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich. Arsenal on the other hand limped over the line to qualify for the knock out stages of Europe’s elite competition with a poor performance in Naples.
The game will pit two of the finest players of the season so far against each other. Aaron Ramsey and Sergio Aguero have accounted for 20 goals and 13 assists between them and, perhaps, whoever has the better game come Saturday lunch time, it will see his team come out on top.
With the other title contenders, apart from Chelsea, not playing till Sunday, the result of this game is sure to pile on the pressure on the teams at the top.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Arsenal 0 Man City 2 (Milner, Dzeko), Premier League, January 2013
Man City 1 (Lescott) Arsenal 1 (Koscielny), Premier League, September 2012
Arsenal 1 (Arteta) Man City 0, Premier League, April 2012
STATS…
Manchester City have scored more goals at home (29) than 15 of the other teams in the Premier League have managed in total
Manchester City are yet to drop a point at home, 7 games, 7 wins
Sergio Aguero has scored 11 goals in his last 10 Premier League games
Arsenal have the best away record in the league this season
Arsenal have taken the lead in 13 of their 15 league matches this season
Mesut Ozil has scored four goals and made six assists in 12 league appearances
ODDS…
Man City to win: 1.83
Arsenal to win: 4.3
Draw: 3.6
TV: Live on BT Sport at 12.45pm, highlights BBC 1 Match of the Day at 10.25pm
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