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This weekend, there’s a big clash between Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal and Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City. It all looks very interesting before the game kicks off at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday at 9.30 PM IST. Let’s look at some key points of the match.
1. Absence of key players
Manchester City’s striker Sergio Aguero will not be playing because of his torn hamstring during his side’s 3-0 victory over Stoke City on New Year’s Day. The Toure brothers, Kolo and Yaya, will be absent because of the African Cup of Nations. Former Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri is serving his suspension and won’t be playing. Jack Rodwell and Micah Richards are injured too. Kolarov, though, has recovered from a groin injury and is available for selection.
Arsenal will be hoping that their striker, Giroud, passes a late fitness test so that he may be available for the selection. Abou Diaby could return after playing for the Under-21s. Lukas Fabianski’s ankle is injured and he is not available.
2. Arsenal’s improving form
Arsenal could be the favourites to win as their form is gradually improving. After their 2-0 win over West Brom, they have been performing quite well. Their performance against Reading (they won 5-2) and a very appreciable performance against Newcastle United (they won 7-3) has made them very confident. Walcott, Giroud, Podolski and Cazorla form a strong attacking line. Theo Walcott is in really great form. He scored a hat trick in the Magpies’ thrashing of 7-3. Giroud scored a brace in that game.
3. City’s inconsistent form
Manchester City’s form, especially after their 2-3 defeat to Manchester United, has been inconsistent. They won against Norwich City with a one goal difference, conceding three goals in the game. They also tasted defeat against Sunderland and were able to register only a 1-0 win over the lowly placed Reading.
4. Arsenal’s top 5 spot
Arsenal’s win would place them in the fifth position, which will make the Premier League more interesting.
City, however, will remain in second place. If they win, they will lessen the 7 points difference with their rivals Manchester United, who are currently on the top of the table.
5. Mario Balotelli or Edin Dzeko
The last time Italian striker Mario Balotelli started the game was the Manchester Derby on December 9, 2012. He gave a very poor performance in that game. After that, he has been kept as a substitute. He may get to start the game at the Emirates Stadium as Aguero will be absent for the game. But recently, Balotelli had a fight with his boss Mancini so it may be a issue if he does not start.
Dzeko has proved to be a great striker for Mancini’s side recently. He is in great form this season. He may get a chance to start the game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Theo Walcott (Arsenal) and Edin Dzeko (Manchester City) can steal the show.
If City wins this one, their 37-year winless drought at the Emirates Stadium will end and it will be their moment to remember.
