What: English Premier League
Who: Manchester City vs Arsenal
When: Sunday 18th December, 2011, at 16:10 UK time
Where: Eastlands, Manchester, England
Bad Luck
Manchester City were on their way to what seemed to be an impressive victory at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, as they stunned hosts Chelsea with an early goal signed by Mario Balotelli. The 2010 Premier League champions nonetheless vastly improved in the second half, scoring two goals and inflicting upon City their first defeat of the league season. The Citizens will now face another London opponent, Arsenal.
The defeat capped off a bad week for Roberto Mancini’s men, who had previously bid farewell to the Champions League as they could only achieve third place in Group A next to Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal.
However, Mancini stressed that the defeat to Chelsea should be quickly forgotten, and serve as motivation in the next games: “It is at these moments that you become stronger, as players and a team. For this reason, the result is a lesson for us”, commented the former Inter boss.
Mancini will have a selection headache though as both left-backs Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy will be unavailable against Arsenal, with the former injured and the latter suspended. It looks likely the Italian will opt to play Pablo Zabaleta in the unfamiliar slot.
Upping Their Game
A 1-0 win over Everton last weekend meant that Arsenal are firmly in the hunt for next season’s Champions League qualifying berths. With just two points separating the Gunners from bitter foes Tottenham Hotspur, everything is possible at this stage for Arsene Wenger’s men, even taking into account their most horrific season start in recent years.
The club found their saviour in Robin van Persie, the Dutchman having risen to the occasion time and time again this season for his club when things seemed dire. This has naturally prompted the team’s hierarchy to work to bind him to a long term contract.
“I think Robin wants to stay… He seems very happy”, declared club chairman Peter Hill-Wood, while admitting that his star is not in favour of contract talks at the moment: “Nothing has been discussed, though it is obvious we want him to stay. He doesn’t want to talk about a contract now and that’s fine with us."
Arsene Wenger can expect anything but an easy game at Eastlands. Their hosts have been impenetrable so far on home turf, and will want to bounce back from their recent setback with a resounding win, if possible.
Recent form
Manchester City:
Manchester City 5-1 Norwich City (03/12; Premier League)
Manchester City 2-0 Bayern Munich (07/12; Champions League)
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City
(12/12; Premier League)
Arsenal:
Wigan Athletic 0-4 Arsenal
(03/12; Premier League)
Olympiacos 3-1 Arsenal (06/12; Champions League)
Arsenal 1-0 Everton (10/12; Premier League)
Key absences
Manchester City: Micah Richards; Aleksandar Kolarov; Gael Clichy
Arsenal: Vito Mannone; Andre Santos; Lukasz Fabianski; Abou Diaby; Kieran Gibbs; Bacary Sagna; Jack Wilshere; Ryo Miyaichi (doubt)
Players to watch
Manchester City – David Silva: The Spanish wizard has been the tinkerman behind much of Manchester City’s success so far, with his skills proving to be second to none. Against Arsenal, Silva will lead a hurt team looking for victory, with a good personal showing continuing to boost his chances with the Spanish national side.
Arsenal – Per Mertesacker: Failing to live up to his hype Mertesacker is facing his toughest challenge so far in keeping up with the Citizens’ attack. City might not score eight on the night – as neighbours Manchester United did earlier this season – but their threat is unquestionable and the German will be tested.
Match Prediction
With City hoping to make up for their recent misfortunes, it will be difficult for Arsenal to win at Eastlands. All the indications point out a Manchester City win, as Roberto Mancini’s side have more than enough talent to see this one through. Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal.
Manchester City v Arsenal is the pick of the Premier League’s weekend action and there are sure to be plenty of betting opportunities. Where is your money going? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
