EPL Preview: Arsenal vs Manchester City

Arsenal vs Manchester City – head to head

Arsenal and Manchester City churned out a total of 11 goals from two fixtures in the Premier League last season. The teams will go to battle again this weekend at the Emirates stadium, in an early lunch time kick-off that has ‘goals’ written all over it. Both these sides have had a shaky start to their respective campaigns and will look to set things right with 3 points.

Manchester City will seek revenge with a win, after Arsenal easily cruised past a weak Manchester City earlier in August when the sides met in the Community Shield.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s opening day narrow win over Crystal Palace was followed by two consecutive away draws at Everton and Leicester City. A win over Manchester City can put their season right back on track for the Gunners. Manager Arsene Wenger speaking in the press conference ahead of the game said "We have to accept our schedule and deal with it. We dropped points against Leicester and we want to make up for it."

The transfer deadline day saw Arsenal rope in England international Danny Wellbeck for a fee of £16 million. The Former Manchester United man was on twice on target in England’s 2-0 victory over Switzerland in midweek.Wenger added "Danny Welbeck is young and I feel he can improve his career here - he is confident.""I was happy to take a permanent transfer with Danny Welbeck. When you analyse Welbeck's game, he has the qualities to play down the middle but he is very versatile."In form midfielder Aaron Ramsey is a major doubt for the game after he limped off from Wales’ international friendly, and will be assessed on Friday Arsenal will also have to make do without French striker Olivier Giroud who suffered a broken foot and will be out of action until January next year. However, Kieran Gibbs, Arteta and Mesut Ozil have all been declared fit and will be a part of the squad, providing Arsenal a much needed boost.New men Alexis Sanchez and Danny Wellbeck will mostly likely lead the line for Arsenal and will look to set up a working relationship early on. They will be relying on German, World Cup winning playmaker, Mesut Özil, whose form will be key for an Arsenal side that has looked far from convincing.Predicted Lineup : Wojciech Szcz?sny, Nacho Monreal, Calum Chambers, Per Mertesacker, Matheiu Debuchy, Oxlade Chamberlain, Matheiu Flamini, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Wellbeck.

Manchester City

Stoke’s astonishing away win at the Etihad, two weeks ago has been the major talking point for Manchester City. Mame Biram Diouf ran the length of the pitch in between Manchester City’s virtually nonexistent defence to slot the winner for Stoke. Manchester City boss Manuel Pelligrini will be desperate to get back to winning ways when he sets his team out in the weekend.

Manchester City full back Pablo Zabaleta was well aware of the task ahead when he said “Arsenal are a very good team and it is always a hard game at the Emirates. They have improved their squad and brought in some great players to strengthen their title bid, but we are looking to bounce back after Stoke defeat and we will go there to win three points."It is doubtful whether Brazilian midfielder Fernando will make the trip to North London as he was reportedly suffering from a groin problem. The other noticeable absence due to injury will be striker Stephan Jovetic, who netted twice against Liverpool.

Predicted Lineup : Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Martin Demechelis, Aleksander Kolorov, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, David Silva, Samir Nasri, Edin Džeko and Sergio Agüero

What to expect ?

The game is most likely to be won or lost in midfield as both sides boast of quality in that area of the pitch. Arsenal will be wary of the threat that Manchester City possess in the form of Edin Džeko, Stephan Jovetic and Sergio Agüero. It will be interesting to see how the Arsenal backline sustains the attacking pressure from Manchester City. Young centre back, Calum Chambers may have a tough afternoon ahead of him.Arsenal will also have high hopes on deadline day aquistion Danny Wellbeck who was brought in to replace an injured Olivier Giroud.History suggests that the game will have goals and plenty of action. The game will also feature a few former team mates like Samir Nasri, Bacary Sagna facing each other. Both Arsenal and City will be having Europe in mind as they will play in the Uefa Champions League in midweek.The game will kick off at 12.45 hours, local time and the proceedings will be officiated by Referee Mark Clattenberg.

Edited by Staff Editor