The two title rivals from the last couple of seasons go head-to-head at the Emirates on Sunday, but this promises to be a different Arsenal vs Manchester City clash this time.
The Gunners are two places and six points ahead of their opponents, with City still struggling to find the form expected from the champions.
Arsenal can ill afford to drop any more points in their attempt to close the gap on leaders Liverpool and this could be key to their title hopes.
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Arsenal vs Manchester City Betting Tips
Arsenal vs Man City Team news
Arsenal are still missing Bukayo Saka, with the England international not expected back in action until early March due to his hamstring problem.
With Gabriel Jesus also a long-term absentee, Ethan Nwaneri staked his claim for a start after scoring the winner in the midweek Champions League game at Girona.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is expected to start at left-back after seeing his red card overturned following his sending off in last week’s 1-0 win at Wolves.
Martin Odegaard sat out the trip to Molineux but returned in Spain and the midfielder should be part of the starting XI on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola has to decide whether to start John Stones or Abdukodir Khusanov in the heart of the defence, with Stones returning in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Club Brugge.
Kevin De Bruyne was also recalled in midweek and the Belgian star is expected to start at the Emirates, as City seek a third straight league win.
Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake are all rated doubtful due to injuries.
Betting Tip 1: Arsenal to win @ 21/20
Arsenal ended their eight-game losing streak against City in this fixture last season when Gabriel Martinelli scored a late winner for the hosts.
There had been three or more goals in their last four Premier League meetings and the goals returned in the reverse fixture in September.
Sunday’s clash is likely to see another tight encounter, with Arsenal looking to take advantage of the champions’ poor season and gain revenge for the clash at the Etihad.
The Gunners held a 2-1 lead at half-time at the Etihad, but the sending-off of Leandro Trossard left Arsenal hanging on until stoppage-time when Stones equalised.
Mikel Arteta’s men are unbeaten in 14 Premier League home games and City head to north London having won just two of their last eight domestic away matches.
Betting Tip 2: Anytime Carded Player – Mateo Kovacic @ 3/1
As ever in these big games, the match is often won in the middle of the park which is an area that City have struggled with in recent months.
The absence of Rodri has been a big factor and Guardiola has chopped and changed to try and find a solution to the central midfield problems.
The only constant has been Mateo Kovacic, with the Croatia international starting more league games than he has in the last three campaigns.
Kovacic has also collected five yellow cards – only equalled in the City squad by Bernardo Silva – and looks likely to pick up another caution in this feisty affair.
- Betting Tip 1: Arsenal to win @ 21/20
- Betting Tip 2: Anytime Carded Player – Mateo Kovacic @ 3/1
- Match Odds: Arsenal 21/20, Draw 5/2, Manchester City 23/10
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