Manchester City – Arsenal : Preview & Prediction
This could be a season-defining match for Manchester City and Arsenal, as the winner will be the leading contender for the Premier League (PL) title. After beating Bayern Munich (G 4-1 on aggregate) to reach the Champions League semifinals and Sheffield United (G 3-0) in the FA Cup semifinal, the home side is in fine form and looking to close the five-point gap to Arsenal at the top of the table, knowing they still have two games in hand.
Their performances here in the league have increased the pressure on the leaders, as the Citizens have won each of their last six PL home games by at least a two-goal margin, despite managing to keep a clean sheet in only two of them. However, Pep Guardiola’s side have not conceded a goal in any of their last four clashes against Arsenal here (G4), highlighting just how difficult they have made it for the north London outfit in recent years.
However, none of those games were title deciders, and after being eight points clear at the start of the month, Mikel Arteta – once Guardiola’s assistant at Man City – has seen his side stumble with the finish line in sight. Three consecutive draws in the league, two of them after being 2-0 up inside 30 minutes, is a worrying trend amid accusations that the pressure is overwhelming Arsenal.
Arteta disagrees and says he saw no lack of confidence when they scored twice after 85 minutes to draw 3-3 with Southampton, but their title challenge now hinges on extending an unbeaten run of five league games away from home (G3, E2). Simply put, a loss here would likely end their title chances, even despite City’s demanding schedule between now and the end of the season.
Players to watch: Riyad Mahrez scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup on Saturday and, given that he has contributed three goals in his last four PL appearances against Arsenal (one goal, two assists), he could play an important role here. That could be key if Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli scores early – both have scored twice in the first 30 minutes in Arsenal’s last three outings.
Standout Fact: Man City’s PL home games this season have produced an average of 2.2 first-half goals, the highest in the league.
Manchester City – Arsenal : Betting Tips
Manchester City – Win Odds: 1.70
