For the first time this season, two of the title combatants face each other when Arsenal welcomes Manchester City in Match of the Week.


Arsenal v Manchester City
Premier League
Emirates Stadium
13-09-2014 @ 12.45 BST










How are the two sides current form?

Arsenal are, so far, unbeaten in the Premier League with a win against Crystal Palace in the first round of the new season, followed up by two draws against Everton and Leicester. Despite the win in the first round, this has not been the start of the season most Gunners had hoped for.

Manchester City started the season as expected with two wins, against Newcastle and Liverpool, before, surprisingly losing against Stoke last round. Despite the defeat, City are currently fourth in the Premier League, one single point ahead of Arsenal on the seventh.

The guests have won five of the last ten meetings with Arsenal, but the Gunners won last time to the sides faced eachother. This was in the Community Shield final prior to this season, where Arsenal won 3-0.

What are the probable line-ups?

 Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Serge Gnabry are all out of this match, while Mikel Arteta, Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil are all rated doubtful. Only Eliaquim Mangala is out of the Manchester City squad, while Fernando and Pablo Zabaleta are rated doubtful.

Szczesny

Debuchy - Mertesacker - Koscielny - Monreal

Flamini

Oxlade-Chamberlain - Ramsey - Cazorla - Ozil

Sánchez
___________________________________________

Aguero - Jovetic

Nasri - Silva

Fernandinho - Touré

Clichy - Kompany - Demichelis - Zabaleta

Hart

Keep an eye on

Arsenal: Mesut Ozil didn't make such a great difference coming back for Arsenal against Everton, but against Manchester City, the German will have to step up his game. The attacking midfield will be crucial for Arsenal's chances in this match.


Manchester City: Yaya Touré is one of the most underestimated midfielders in the Premier League, and he proved that last season. He is one of the best when it comes to breaking the play and creating chances, why he is so important for City in this match.



What to expect from this match?
Arsenal started last season better off, and they seem to struggle finding the right play style. It doesn't help on the situation that the main striker, Giroud, is out with an injury. Sánchez will probably replace the injured Frenchman, but it is hard to see him make a difference against a hard hitting Manchester City defence. 

City are eager to forget last rounds defeat against Stoke and rise with a win against Arsenal. On paper, they have a better squad, and they are the favorites in this match. The midfield is their most dangerous weapon, and against Arsenal they will get plenty of time on the ball, creating the chances for the front men.

What are the odds?
Arsenal: 2 (MATCHBOOK)

Draw: 13/5 (William Hill)

Manchester City: 7/5 (Skybet)