Manchester City vs Arsenal predictions: Citizens can ramp up the pressure with convincing win
Jamie Griffith
Despite their loss to Bournemouth, Arsenal remain top of the Premier League
Manchester City are just six points behind, however, and have a game in hand on the Gunners
Recommended bet: Manchester City to win to nil
It is rare a game weighs so heavily on a title race but there is genuine reason to believe the result of Sunday’s clash at the Etihad will determine the destination of the Premier League trophy.
If Arsenal can avoid defeat, they know the title is in their hands as City would be unable to catch them, even with their game in hand.
A loss, however, would be detrimental. The Citizens would be in the luxurious position of simply needing to win their remaining matches and, unfortunately for Gunners fans, the differing form of the sides suggests that is the scenario that will play out.
The latest Manchester City v Arsenal odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Centre-backs Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias remain sidelined for the hosts but there is hope John Stones could return and the knock Nico O’Reilly suffered against Chelsea is not likely to keep him out.
Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, all of whom missed out again in Wednesday’s draw with Sporting.
To add to Mikel Arteta’s issues, Noni Madueke was forced off in that game and may miss out alongside Mikel Merino and captain Martin Odegaard.
The latest Manchester City v Arsenal odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Manchester City have won their last three games to nil.
Arsenal have won only one of their last five matches.
The Gunners have scored just three goals in that run.
City have won eight of their last 10 matches at the Etihad.
The Citizens aggregate score across those 10 games is 31-7.
Arsenal have failed to score in five of their last seven away games against City.
The latest Manchester City v Arsenal odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
High-pressure games have been Arsenal’s undoing countless times over the past few seasons and that, coupled with their current form, makes them extremely hard to trust at the Etihad.
The Gunners scraped past Sporting in the Champions League quarter-finals, winning 1-0 on aggregate and losing the shot-on-target count 6-5 over the two legs, while they were knocked out of the FA Cup by second-tier Southampton earlier this month.
The inconsistent finishing of Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as a lack of creativity in the absence of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, is proving costly and the even worse news is that City have clicked at just the right time.
Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki have formed a formidable front three and a 4-0 rout of Liverpool, 3-0 hammering of Chelsea and comfortable 2-0 victory over the Gunners in the EFL Cup final proves they are again the team to beat.
Pep Guardiola’s side are built for matches like this and they can cruise to victory. Floundering Arsenal have scored only three goals in their last five games so it would be no surprise to see the Citizens land a fourth straight win to nil.
Back Manchester City to win to nil @ 9/5 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Manchester City v Arsenal odds are available on LiveScore Bet
