Man City vs Arsenal Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Manchester City host Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime at the Etihad Stadium with both sides looking to boost their title ambitions with a positive result.

The Gunners head into the weekend action holding a five point lead at the top of the Premier League with fourth-placed City a further point off the pace, so its all to play for at the top of the table this weekend.

The hosts warmed up for the game in perfect style, beating European Champions Bayern Munich 3-2 at the Allianz Arean on Tuesday night, but they failed to get a fourth goal that would have seen them qualify as group winners.

That result came after last weeks 1-1 draw at Southampton so Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to get back to winning ways and maintain his sides formidable 100% home record tomorrow.

Arsenal on the other hand crept into the last 16 of the Champions League despite losing 2-0 to Napoli in Italy on Wednesday night, with that gruelling clash following last weeks 1-1 draw with Everton, so Arsene Wenger will also be looking to get back on track with a positive result this weekend.

Last seasons corresponding fixture ended 1-1 with Laurent Koscielny cancelling out Joleon Lescott’s opener, while the north Londoners will also take heart from the fact they beat City 3-1 in a pre-season friendly back in August.

Team News

Manuel Pellegrini was able to rest his key men in midweek so he’s expected to recall a number of first team regulars. The likes of Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negrado should all be restored to the starting eleven.

Joe Hart is being tipped to keep the gloves in goal after playing again Bayern, while Gael Clichy has recovered from a knock to face his former club.

Micah Richards picked up a muscle injury in midweek and he joins Matija Nastasic and Steven Jovetic on the sidelines. David Silva came through the midweek clash unscathed so should be fit enough to start again tomorrow.

Arsene Wenger was forced to play his full strength team in midweek so may make a few changes to freshen things up. Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott could come in to the attack while Aaron Ramsey is expected to be restored in midfield.

Reports claim Bacary Sagna has passed a late fitness test so should replace Carl Jenkinson at right-back. Lukas Podolski is available again but is unlikely to make the squad as he fights to regain match fitness.

Yaya Sanogo, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby are all still sidelined.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Sergio Aguero: The Argentinean striker has been in sensational form and the Gunners defence will have to keep him quiet if they want to take anything away from the game.

Predicted Score

Man City 2-1 Arsenal: City have a formidable record at the Etihad, boasting a 100% record – scoring an incredible 29 goals and conceding just 2 – so Arsenal certainly have their work cut out to take anything away from the game. I feel the Londoners midweek excursions may just take their tole and City will edge this one.

What would be your starting eleven and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.