Top of the table Manchester City face a tough test this weekend when Arsenal are the visitors on Sunday to the Etihad Stadium. However, City have been in fantastic form over the past few weeks, and they are yet to lose a Premier League game, such has been their superiority over other clubs. Although Arsenal are a good team, this is going to be a huge test and at home Manchester City are close to unstoppable. This should be a good game, both teams have quality and like to attack so there should be goals for the neutrals. After an indifferent start, Arsenal are getting better and while Manchester City are big favourites, Arsenal have the ability to trouble them.
Premier League – Etihad Stadium, Manchester – Sunday 5th November – 14:15 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 9/2 at Ladbrokes |
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Manchester City
ArsenalManchester City Form
It has been a great start from Manchester City as they look to take the Premier League title off Chelsea. They have really impressed at both ends of the field and although Arsenal could make the top four, they are still a long way off being capable of beating Manchester City. The club who look closest to challenging Manchester City appears to be Manchester United and their local rivals will surely push City every step of the way this season.
City have the best goal scoring record in the division right now, with 35 goals in 10 games. That averages out at 3.5 goals per game and every defence they have faced so far has struggled to stop them. Youngsters Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus are beginning to take the Premier League by storm, while old favourites Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne remain at the club and continue to cause havoc.
It is an embarrassment of riches for Manchester City right now and going forward they are clearly one of the top teams in Europe. It is going to take a very good team to stop them this season, either domestically or in the Champions League and they look sure to have a great season.
Arsenal Form
Arsenal did not solve their defensive problems from last season over the summer and that again could haunt them this season. They have conceded 13 goals so far this season, more than double what Manchester City have conceded and more than treble what Manchester United have conceded, this is something that has to change. I expected them to sign at least one top class defender this summer, and because they didn’t I expect them to do something in January to rectify their issues.
With Alexandre Lacazette, Alexis Sanchez and Sead Kolasinac all playing well going forward, Arsenal will not struggle to score goals this season. They have 19 so far and I expect to see them hit plenty more over the coming weeks as their front three, and others, continue to contribute.
Team News
With Sane, Jesus, Aguero, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Silva and many more to choose from, Manchester City are going to have to rotate their squad to ensure everyone gets the amount of game time they are happy with. It could cause problems in the future, but right now it is working for Manchester City, everyone looks happy and more importantly they are scoring for fun no matter what opposition they are playing.
While Arsenal don’t have the same riches as Manchester City, having Kolasinac, Sanchez and Lacazette gives them a great front three that will be the envy of many teams in Europe. Those three need to click and all have outstanding games if they are to have any chance of winning this game, and even then it would be a really tall order for them.
Top Betting Tips
Although this is a game between two of the top teams in the Premier League, Manchester City are the clear favourites due to the start they have had this season. They are clearly a step above Arsenal and most other teams in the Premier League so far and they are going to be very difficult to beat this season.
The way the game is set up I have to back Manchester City to win, but the normal betting market is not a very attractive proposition for them. Instead I will look to back a correct score, and because I am sure there will be goals in the game I am going to go for 3-1 to Manchester City. This is priced at 10/1 with William Hill and offers good value in what should be a very open contest with plenty of scoring chances.