The Premier League makes a return on Wednesday night with this box office fixture pitting holders Manchester City against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
With the defence of their title all but over, Pep Guardiola will turn his sights on finishing second as he takes on his apprentice Mikel Arteta on Wednesday evening in the highlight game of the Premier League return fixtures.
City had a bit of a rough patch before the hiatus, suffering 2-0 losses at Tottenham and local rivals Manchester United before bouncing back with two back-to-back wins. That said, Pep Guardiola’s side have a formidable record against having won their last six games with the Gunners banging in 17 goals and conceding just two in that stretch.
The break has been a blessing in disguise for City. Pep has a virtually 100% healthy squad to pick from, which is a “good” problem for any coach. Leroy Sane could finally get his first minutes of the season. Aymeric Laporte is also in contention for a starting place.
Prior to the break, the Gunners were one of the league’s form teams. Mikel Arteta had finally started to get his style and vision across to the players and that was translating to good results on the pitch. Arsenal were on an eight-match unbeaten run going back to December. Three straight wins had them climb to ninth in the table, just eight points off fourth-placed Chelsea and significantly, with a game in hand (this one) which then brought Arsenal back into contention for the coveted top 4 finish.
Their record against City, particularly in recent times is nothing worth writing home about. City have however not been as formidable this season as they have been in recent years and with a top 4 opportunity on offer, Arsenal might just see this as a chance to cash in.
Lucas Torreira and Calum Chambers have returned to training but Arteta is unlikely to deploy them, at least not for this huge game.
This game has goals written all over it. With City having their full squad back, they will be on the attack from the get-go. Arsenal are also not known to sit back and so we are likely to have one hell of a spectacle. City though, have too much strength and depth and should come out tops at the end of the shootout.
Tip: City to Win and Goal Over 2.5 @ 1.61 with Bet9ja betting app
Aguero has been the thorn in Arsenal’s flesh through these years of their torment at the hands of Man City. The Argentine striker has scored the opener on three occasions and banged in seven goals in his last eight games against Arsenal. With his supporting cast all fit and raring to go, it would be a surprise if he does not keep this incredible scoring spree against Arsenal going.
Tip: Sergio Aguero Anytime Goalscorer @ 1.59 with Betway betting app
Additional Betting Tip: Each Team Over 0.5 Shots on Target in Each Half @ 1.62 with 22Bet
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