Premier League Top Two Get Down to Business – Again!

Arsenal vs Manchester City

The Premier League’s top two (based on last season) and a match between the side who won the lot and the side who had their heart set on glory only to have it broken into pieces.

For a few months it looked like the North Londoners may be able to surprise the red-hot favourites and claim English football’s top prize for the first time in almost two decades.

Yet the smart money was always on Manchester City and so it proved as the Gunners were unable to replicate their superb first half of the campaign and were reeled in and, ultimately, spat out.

Three times in three months they met and all three victories went the way of City.

Now they clash again seeking Premier League highlights and in the case of the Gunners, revenge.

Talking Points

So how are both teams faring as they prepare for the contest?

Well, Arsenal suffered a blow in midweek when Bukayo Saka sustained an injury in their defeat to Lens, their first of the season, in the Champions League.

The England international was a doubt heading into the game but he was named in the starting XI, despite hobbling off in the last two Premier League matches against Spurs and Bournemouth.

Ahead of this potentially decisive showdown, some of an Arsenal persuasion were hoping for a Saka rest during the visit to France to take on Lens.

However, Saka started and manager Mikel Arteta was made to regret that decision.

Although it is too early to say for sure, it does seem he is a doubt for a match between sides separated by just a point at the summit.

City were also in action in midweek aiming to bounce back from back-to-back domestic defeats.

Pep Guardiola’s men suffered a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United in the League Cup last week before going down 2-1 Wolves on Saturday, despite their opponents only having one shot on target (the other was an own goal).

In Germany, they showed that class is permanent as they scored twice late on to take complete control of their Champions League group in a 3-1 victory at RB Leipzig.

They have absentees of their own this Sunday with midfielder Rodri completing a three-match suspension and midfield counterpart Kevin de Bruyne also out.

Even without that duo in the XI, City have fantasy that can break open tight contests.

One of them. Bernardo Silva, played on Wednesday night after a few weeks out, while John Stones was fit enough to be named on the bench so will give them more options for their trip to North London.

History

While Arsenal have vast superiority in the overall head-to-head record, City have held a distinct upper hand since their takeover in 2008 saw them inherit new-found wealth.

Indeed, they have won their last 12 matches against the Gunners in the Premier League.

In the FA Cup in late January, a contest between much-changed sides was settled by a Nathan Ake goal.

That was seen as potentially a big help to Arsenal in their quest for league glory.

Just a few weeks later, though, City went to North London and returned with three points as de Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland scored in a 3-1 win. Saka netted a first half penalty for Arsenal.

By the time of the return league game in late April, City were firmly in the ascendancy and effectively ended Arsenal’s challenge with a 4-1 romp.

De Bruyne (two), Stones and Haaland were the marksmen with Rob Holding adding what amounted to no more than a consolation. 

It was City’s eighth straight win over Arsenal and a 15th success in the last 16.

Overall, they have 65 wins in these clashes with 99 Arsenal triumphs and 45 draws.

Arsenal did edge the Charity Shield last month, triumphing on penalties after a 1-1 draw in which Cole Palmer (now of Chelsea) and Leandro Trossard traded goals.

Betting Tip

As you would expect for a clash between the champions and last season’s runners-up, there’s not much between the sides with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.

However, City are still favourites 1X2 @ 2.24 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.12, compared to Arsenal who are available to back 1X2 @ 2.82 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.53.

A repeat of the corresponding fixture last term – Correct Score 1-3 – will pay out @ 18.50 with goal bets including Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.70, 2-3 @ 1.96, 4-6 @ 3.35 and Over 2.75 @ 2.12.

It may not surprise you to hear I am going to sit on the fence with this one and opt for honours even, so my *** tip is 1X2 Draw @ 3.35.

 

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