- Date: Sunday October 8 – 16.30 BST
- Location: Emirates Stadium, London
- Teams: Arsenal v Manchester City
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Arsenal host Manchester City in a vital match at the top end of the Premier League
Arsenal
Arsenal have made a positive start to the season, after last season brought an unexpected title challenge, albeit with a deflating finish. However, the Gunners’ board have been quick to recognise the progress made by Mikel Arteta and have backed him in the transfer market this summer. Declan Rice is already looking comfortable in the engine room. The North London derby saw them emerge with a draw, and this was followed up with a win over Brentford in the EFL Cup and a resounding 4-0 victory at Bournemouth in the Premier League . This sees Arteta’s side in third spot in the table, behind Spurs on goal difference and a point behind leaders City.
Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat at Lens in the Champions League in midweek. They must now put this behind them to focus on City.
Versatile new signing Jurrien Timber will be out of action for the foreseeable future with a knee injury. Mohamed Elneny has had successful surgery on his knee problem, however there is no return date set. Thomas Partey has been out with a groin injury and made the bench against Lens in midweek. Bukayo Saka (foot) was an injury doubt in midweek and the gamble to play him backfired, with the England winger leaving the field with a hamstring injury. He is a major doubt for Sunday. Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring) is also doubtful.
Manchester City
City won their first six league matches, in addition to a Champions League victory over Red Star Belgrade. and a win on penalties against Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup. However, they have since suffered two defeats, going out of the EFL Cup at the hands of Newcastle United and losing at Wolves in the Premier League. The Citizens are still top of the pile, however, they are only one point ahead of North London duo Tottenham and Arsenal. They got back to winning ways against RB Leipzig in he Champions League on Wednesday, goijng into the trip to North London on the back of a 3-1 victory secured with two late goals.
City have lost a number of key players recently, including Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones and Bernardo Silva, to injury and influential midfielder Rodri was sent off against Nottingham Forest, leading to a three game domestic suspension, which means he will not be available against Arsenal. Silva returned in the midweek win against Leipzig and Stones made the bench, however, the England defender is not expected to play against the Gunners.
Prediction
Arsenal were City’s closest challengers last season and, with the addition of Rice, they look stronger again. However, the Gunners have dropped four points at home this season already and need to ensure that the gap to City doesn’t grow. City have a high quality squad, however, the recent injuries and suspensions have started to stretch them a little. However, I feel that they will have enough to leave the Emirates with a point. This one looks like an entertaining score draw.
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