Arsenal v Manchester City – Match Preview

Arsenal v Manchester City – Match Preview

Match of the weekend in the English Premier League is the Monday night clash between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates. With the teams currently in second and third place respectively in the Premier League, both will be looking for a strong performance to take into the hectic and important festive period of matches.

Arsenal go into Monday’s match on a five match unbeaten streak that has seen them reach the last 16 of the Champions League and also maintain the pressure on surprise Premier League leaders Leicester. A 2-0 victory over Aston Villa last week epitomised Arsenal’s current form, as they overpowered Villa to put in a dominant performance. Since the disappointing defeat to West Brom, Arsenal have picked up seven points from a possible nine in the league, scoring six goals and conceding just two. Petr Cech equalled the Premier League record for clean sheets against Villa and he will be hopeful of creating history against City. Mesut Ozil has been in inspired form this season, supplying 13 assists already and against a City defence that has been leaking goals recently he will fancy his chances at adding to this tally. French striker Oliver Giroud also looks back to his best, with his goal against Villa last weekend his fifth goal in his last three matches.

Manchester City have stuttered in recent weeks, winning just two out of their last five league matches. Defeat at Stoke was followed up last week with a last gasp victory over managerless Swansea at the Etihad. Their wavering form has coincided with the absence of their captain Vincent Kompany, with the City defence looking vulnerable without the Belgian defender. City have won five of their last six home matches but on the road they are struggling for form, having won none of their last four away matches and failing to score in the last three. If City fail to score at the Emirates, it will be the first time in almost 10 years that they have gone four straight away league matches without scoring a goal.Premier league winners in 2014, Manchester City know they are very much in the mix for this year’s title but they will be looking for more consistency in their performances.

Arsenal have a strong record at home against Manchester City, losing just one of their last 18 league matches, although only one of the last six matches was a win. The fixture also has the potential to be physical, with five red cards shown in the last five meetings between the sides.

Arsenal are the 2.50 (6/4) favourites for the match, with Manchester City available to back at 3 (2/1) and the draw 3.5 (5/2). The football betting tip for Monday’s Arsenal v Manchester City match is the draw at 3.5 (5/2).

By: Scott McGlynn