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Two of the Premier League's top six, Manchester City and Arsenal, are meeting this weekend, in what is arguably the biggest game in England this weekend.
The respective position of both clubs, on and off the pitch, differs. City and Arsenal recently posted within the highest-earning clubs in the world, per the Deloitte Money League. Whilst Arsenal's revenues declined somewhat compared to previous years, City's income was boosted by its record-winning Premier League title triumph.
Arsenal recorded a 2-1 win over Cardiff City, with the latter side suffering under the Emiliano Sala tragedy. The Gunners before the weekend were in the top four, because of Chelsea's 4-0 loss to Bournemouth.
City, in contrast, lost to Newcastle United, which was in part ameliorated due to Liverpool drawing 1-1 at home with Leicester City. However, the lead between the two has been increased, even if it's only by a point.
Man City here could either be a wounded animal, striking out in defiance. Or they could fold under the pressure, or even succumb to self-pity.
Arsenal, despite not playing classically vs. Cardiff City, would be buoyed by the win attained. It got them into the top four, even if it's brief at this point.
But City would certainly have a point to prove.
Key points for this game may be:
- How will City respond?
- Will Arsenal's defence handle City's attack?
- What the result can mean for each side.
As two of the Premier League's mainstays, and with their managers as compatriots, it should be an intriguing game. They've offered some tasty fixtures in recent years, such as the 6-3 win in this fixture in 13/14, and Arsenal's 2-0 win in 15/16. Let's hope this game is as exciting and engaging.
Manchester City - down but out too?
The defeat to Newcastle United was bad - without a doubt. Yes, Newcastle needed the points to help their relegation fight. But City needed them too, and it was a blow softened somewhat by Liverpool's draw with Leicester City.
However, how will they respond?
Guardiola, as a player and currently as a manager, is known for his tenacity and fight. He has managed technically awesome teams, with Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, et al. featuring. But they also had a high mentality and immense character.
Pep needs to draw on his own traits and instil them into the City side, since they're certainly under pressure now. City has outspent Liverpool and other teams in recent years, and Pep's managerial record is more impressive than Klopp's. In part, his own reputation and skills are in question, as well as his ability to motivate his side.
Still, City is strong at home, and they know whilst Arsenal will be a test in some areas, they have the attacking clout to trouble Arsenal's defence.
They also have a strong recent record at the Etihad to Arsenal. They lost to them 2-0 in 2015, but since then have gained two wins and a draw.
City are the favourites here, and Guardiola will be getting them up to perform at a high-level. They need to, and Kun Aguero, who has scored often versus Arsenal in the past, will be looking to get in the goals again.
Arsenal's defence - can it hold at the Etihad?
Arsenal's defence has been much mocked and criticised this season. This is in part due to organisational issues, and poor marking and tracking of opponents.
As City are favourites in this game, then this is a major reason why.
Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and Leroy Sane, are all prime threats that Arsenal must face, and a potent attack vs. a weak defence only has one outcome.
To Arsenal's credit though, head coach Unai Emery has been largely adept at making tactical changes. He will need to do so, considering the scale of City's attacking options.
This could result in a formation change, or just being more disciplined off the ball. In part, the defence is weak because of injuries to Sokratis, Holding, Koscielny, and Monreal. However, even with a fully fit defence, Arsenal has made errors at the back, as Emery says that Koscienly may recover from a knock he received in the FA Cup defeat to Man United.
Emery will need a tactical grand plan to secure a good result here, though the presence of Aubameyang and Lacazette could give City problems. The former is competing at the top of the scoring charts - whilst the latter is proving to be one of the best all-around forwards in the league. Both need to be on it to ensure Arsenal get a result.
Prediction and implications
With City potentially fired up after losing at Newcastle, Arsenal's weak defence, and Manchester City's strong recent record at home to Arsenal, it seems that a win vs. Arsenal is most likely.
This doesn't mean that Arsenal will lose heavily. Even a small loss (in scoreline terms) won't be a disaster. But then the tide is in City's favour, and an Arsenal win would be a minor shock. Arsenal is incentivised too, without question. A win would further secure their top four hopes especially with Chelsea floundering and United's draw vs. Burnley.
In the event of a win for City, it would restore confidence and put pressure on Liverpool.
A draw, even if Liverpool draw or lose, would be a missed opportunity with fewer games to go towards the end of the season.
A loss, even if Liverpool lose too, would be a disaster, as time is running out.
For Arsenal, a loss (even a heavy one) would not be terminal. Chelsea and Manchester United may win their games, but would only be a few points ahead. More football is to be played, and Arsenal faces Manchester United later in the season.
A draw, for similar reasons, would be pretty much the same. A win would be a massive boost and a statement to the league and footballing world that Arsenal can handle the top sides away from home, which was a primary critique in the latter Wenger period.
PREDICTION - MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 ARSENAL
