Two giants of the Premier League will have an early showdown on Saturday, September 13 as Arsenal meet Manchester City for Matchday 4 in what should be an explosive showdown between two of the league’s best scoring teams.
Before these two English power houses meet, the best soccer nations of Europe are set to contest their first matches of Euro 2016 Qualifying on September 9-11. You can see our overview of the Euro 2016 Qualifying here, including group winners, runners-up and third-placed teams.
Nevertheless, continue reading as we breakdown this explosive affair between Arsenal and Manchester City.
[sc:Soccer ]Manchester City vs. Arsenal Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Emirates Stadium, London
When: Saturday, September 13, 7:45 AM ET
Line: Manchester City +123 at Arsenal +175, tie +235; total 2.5– view all EPL lines
What’s at Stake
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The defending champions, Manchester City, will be looking to bounce back from a bitter home loss to Stoke City. Meanwhile, Arsenal has gone winless off back-to-back away games in the Premier League. Coming into this match, both teams are in need of a win to keep pace with Chelsea, who have taken three wins in their first three games.
Betting on Manchester City
One look at Manchester City’s starting eleven makes it seem possible the side could nab back-to-back Premier League titles. They have Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure, David Silva, Edin Dzeko and Jesus Navas, all good bets to net a goal in any game. On the back end, they benefit from the excellent defensive play of team captain Vincent Kompany and a stellar goalkeeper in Joe Hart.
But for all their attacking talent, they still suffered a shock home loss to Stoke City. The Sky Blues were poor in finishing all of their many scoring opportunities (16 shots, only two on target) while surrendering the lone goal in a 1-0 loss. With a stinging loss fresh on their minds, they’ll need to rediscover the away form that saw them win 2-0 against Newcastle United on August 17.
In thT match, Dzeko assisted Silva to open the scoring while Aguero scored his own goal late into the match to seal the deal. However, they weren’t as solid at the back as they allowed three chances at goal within three minutes late in the second half.
They may have gotten away with it against Newcastle, but giving the talented attacking front of Arsenal as many chances will only spell trouble. Man City cannot be sloppy on the defense, even after building a lead, as Arsenal has already overcome early deficits against Everton and Crystal Palace early this season.
Nevertheless, Man City are a strong team to contend with, even in hostile territory. They have won their last three away matches in the Premier League.
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Betting on Arsenal
Arsenal has dominated possession in their last two matches for an average of 61.5% possession. They were able to take 37 total shots over the two games, but only managed to score three goals for a measly eight percent conversion rate.
Nevertheless, the Gunners are undefeated in their last 19 home matches in the Premier League, including a 1-1 tie against Man City in March 2014. This time, Arsenal will leverage the red-hot Chilean Alexis Sanchez in their midfield.
Sanchez is a proven playmaker with 19 goals and 10 assists in 27 games playing for Barcelona last season. Acquiring him has paid off for Arsenal, as Sanchez had an assist in his Premier League debut and netted a goal against Leicester in his last match. With Arsenal’s prolific striker Olivier Giroud (16 Premier League goals and eight assists last season) scheduled to be sidelined for four months due to a broken tibia, Sanchez will have to play a bigger role for his new club.
Still, Sanchez is just one part of the equation. They currently have a variety of talent on the attack with Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil, while enjoying contributions from the back line from the likes of Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscielny. Former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck may also feature against his former city rivals after sealing a move to the Gunners.
However, Arsenal’s aggressive style of play leaves them very open to counter attacks and gives their opponents scoring opportunities. They have conceded in each of their Premier League matches this season.
Writer’s Prediction
While the talent is there, Manchester City have shown some defensive lapses so far in 2014. Arsenal (+175) have the depth and high-paced attack needed to exploit such openings. Take the Gunners to upset the champions for a much needed home win.
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