Arsenal vs Manchester City
The battle for the second spot in English Premier League is all set to happen in full swing in Emirates Stadium when Arsenal host Manchester City today. The last time when they both met it was all good for Arsenal as they won 3-0 playing in city of Manchester Stadium. This would be an opportunity for the Eastland’s to take revenge in style. Both the teams would try to bring their full strength side but it’s some good news for Arsenal as there are no more injury updates for them and even the Eastland’s side will be probably without Adebayor and Silva.
The match is highly anticipated and is the first major clash in the New Year for both the teams. The result will be even more interesting for Manchester United as a draw or a clear result would be both beneficial for United.
There last premier league match held on 24th October was all miserable for Manchester City as they were playing with 10 man for the major part of the match and Arsenal took advantage on this by scoring 3 goals to 0.
The media all hyped this incident by terming the result as the win over the big spenders and labeling the match as Talent vs. money etc. This scenario would be best for both the teams to show whose better and Mancini would try his level best to come out as winners.
Key Players to watch:
Arsenal:
Cesc Fabregas: The Arsenal skipper will be the key man as he holds the ability to put pin point passes and through balls and is dangerous with dead ball. He has currently improved his form and has been dangerous for the opposition defense.
Manchester City:
Carlos Tevez: Some names always seem to remain in the score sheet and Tevez is one among them. The ex-United striker is in full swing to start the first major match of the New Year with a bang. The Argentinian ha already scored 12 goals and has mad 5 assists in premier league this season. He would be a major threat for Arsenal today.
Possible Line Up:
Possible starting XI Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Walcott, Fabregas, Nasri; Van Persie.
Possible starting XI Manchester City: Hart, Boateng, K Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, De Jong, Barry, A Johnson, Y Toure, Milner, Tevez.
Last Five Matches:
Arsenal
01-Jan-2011 Birmingham 0 – Arsenal 3 EPL
30-Dec-2010 Wigan Athletic 2 – Arsenal 2 EPL
28-Dec-2010 Arsenal 3 – Chelsea 1 EPL
14-Dec-2010 Man Utd. 1 – Arsenal 0 EPL
09-Dec-2010 Arsenal 3 – Partizan 1 UCL
Manchester City
01-Jan-2011 Manchester City 1 – Blackpool 0 EPL
28-Dec-2010 Manchester City 4 – Aston Villa 0 EPL
26-Dec-2010 Newcastle 1 – Manchester City 3 EPL
21-Dec-2010 Manchester City 1 – Everton 2 EPL
16-Dec-2010 Juventus 1 – Manchester City 1 EL
Head to Head:
English Premier League (EPL) 24-Oct-2010 Manchester City 0 – Arsenal 3
English Premier League (EPL) 24-Apr-2010 Arsenal 0 – Manchester City 0
Carling Cup (Carl) 03-Dec-2009 Manchester City 3 – Arsenal 0
English Premier League (EPL) 12-Sep-2009 Manchester City 4 – Arsenal 2
English Premier League (EPL) 04-Apr-2009 Arsenal 2 – Manchester City 0
My Prediction:
The match will end up in 1-1 draw. As both the team looks very much strong and equal on papers, still arsenal has got an advantage of playing at home ground.
Tags: Arsenal, Carlos Tevez, Cesc Fabregas, Emirates Stadium, English Premier League, EPL, Football, Manchester City, Pre-Match Preview
