It is second taking on third on Monday night as Arsenal and Manchester City face off in what could be a pivotal match in this season’s title race.
Despite neither of the sides sitting top of the Premier League table, they are both seen as the club’s most likely to sustain a genuine title assault in what has been an unpredictable season to date.
With Chelsea totally out of the picture and Manchester United looking a shadow of what they once were, this season represents a huge opportunity for either of these two to bask in championship glory come the end of the season.
Neither have taken the title race by the scruff of the neck as of yet with both dropping vital points at various stages and in the process failing to seize the initiative in setting the pace for the chasing pack.
For the Gunners, this is a chance they simply have to grasp with both hands and they come into the clash full of confidence after an immensely successful week where they claimed three straight wins over Sunderland, Olympiacos and Aston Villa.
Gunning for their first league crown since 2004, a positive result here would only bolster the belief within the squad and send out a clear statement of intent as they endeavour to break their 12-year title hoodoo.
This however will be a stern test of their title credentials, as the Citizens boast a squad with a plethora of talent and title winning experience. City have looked unconvincing in recent times having been totally outplayed by Stoke a fortnight ago before fortuitously scraping past Swansea last weekend.
It looked as though the Sky Blues would run away with the title earlier in the campaign playing some sublime football but they have have been halted in their tracks as teams in the chasing pack have closed the gap.
Despite their lethargic recent performances, a match-up against a fellow title rival will surely wet the appetite for Manual Pellegrini’s men as they seek to return to their sublime early-season form.
Key Battle – Laurent Koscielny vs Sergio Aguero
Described as the best central defender in the league by Rio Ferdinand, Koscielny has been immense for Arsenal, and after being under-rated for so long is now starting to be recognised as one of the top defenders in the country.
You could say it is a tussle between the league’s premier centre-half and the competition’s deadliest marksman, as Sergio Aguero has resumed training and looks back to full fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a heel problem. The Argentine’s return is a massive boost for City as they are clearly a different animal with Aguero leading the line.
A lack of match fitness could mean the striker is a touch rusty, but his presence alone is enough to leave defenders looking over their shoulders. Koscielny’s speed and astute positional play will hold him in good stead in a battle that could very much decide the outcome of the match.
Team News
The major talking point in the build-up from Arsenal’s point of view is the fitness of Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez is back running after he sustained a strained hamstring against Norwich City almost three weeks ago.
The Chilean will be putting the pressure on Arsene Wenger and the Gunners medical staff to recall him to the starting lineup despite Wenger’s caution to rush his star man back with a busy Christmas period just around the corner.
As mentioned earlier, Pellegrini has been given an early Christmas present with the return of lethal frontman Aguero with Wilfried Bony almost certain to make way.
The fitness of captain Vincent Kompany remains up in the air and as it stands looks set to miss again. City are yet to lose with their influential leader in the starting XI – without him they look vulnerable and dysfunctional at the back.
Head-to-Head
The Gunners have a superb home record against the Sky Blues having only lost one of their past 18 encounters but in recent times have only won one of their past six meetings. In total, City have travelled to the capital on 89 occasions with only 15 of those ending up in victories compared to Arsenal’s 53.
Last Meeting
A late Martin Demichellis header rescued a point for City in their last trip to North London after Sanchez’s sensational volley looked to have won the Gunners all three points.
The last time the Citizens have taken maximum points back to Manchester was back in January 2013 where goals from James Milner and Edin Dzeko saw the visitors ease to a 2-0 victory.
Prediction
While there is still so much football to play this season, a win for either side will inflict a major phycological blow as these two look set to go head-to-head for this season’s championship. City’s open and expansive style will suit Arsenal which makes for tantalising viewing.
The Gunners will look to exploit City’s soft defensive underbelly, while they will need to be at their best to keep the visitors’ potent attacking armoury at arm’s length.
Midfield pair Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini will need too be positionally disciplined and not be too open as the Sky Blues’ midfield could wreak havoc if given time and space.
It will be an electric atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium come Monday evening and playing in their familiar surroundings will give the home side the edge. Combine that with the Sky Blues’ indifferent form away from home and Arsenal would fancy themselves to claim an important win in what is shaping as a mouthwatering contest.
Arsenal 2 Manchester City 1
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