Premier League looks set for its 3rd Match-week and all we can see is good fixtures lining up for everyone. Two titans of English football go head-to-head in this weekend’s curtain-raiser for Premier League football, and we can tell it’s going to be a cracker. The Reds of London will host the Blues of Manchester in the epic stadium of Etihad. The atmosphere might amp up with passionate fans on the stands supporting their club.
Arsenal will be looking to get some form after losing two in the start. Whereas Manchester City will look to win to secure their position in the league. Both have objectives set for this game and we might have some good and fair game of football.
https://instagram.com/ballthatmatters?igshid=1wlttk94e247j
Why Should You be Watching?
The defending champions are set to face the Gunners on home turf after a thrilling victory at Norwich. Man City crushed them 5-0 after a disappointing loss in the first game. The victory might have been regulatory for Pep but the performance was a much-needed boost. As for Arteta and Arsenal, a win/draw is much needed to put them out of their own misery as they failed to score/ create or defend much in either of the games. Their win/draw will result in opening the league with some points on board.
FORM
Arsenal’s form: LLLLW
Man, City’s form: WWLLW
Injury News and Predicted Lineups
Arsenal
Injury news
Gabriel- Ruled out due to knee injury
Thomas Partey – Ruled out due to ankle ligament damage
Eddie Nketiah –Ruled out due to ankle injury
Ben White –Ruled out due to COVID
Lacazette – COVID (Major doubt)
Willian – covid 19 so ruled out
Bellerin – ruled out due to thigh injury
Tierney – suffered an injury in the last match is doubtful to be in the squad
Manchester City
Injury News
Phil Foden – Ruled out due to ankle injury
KDB – Late fitness test on an ankle injury will be done
Head-to-Head
Man, City has dominated this fixture in recent years, winning each of their last six meetings across all competitions by an aggregate score of 17-2 – their best run against the Gunners.
Arsenal has not won a league game against Man City since December 2015, while you have to go back to January of that year for their last league win at the Etihad.
Players to Watch Out For
Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe
Although the transfer of Odegaard into the lineup will eat up Smith-Rowe’s game time, he will probably start against Manchester City given that he is in decent form. Among the dull Arsenal vanguard, Smith Rowe is the only player who is looking confident and energetic on the ball.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
The new Arsenal signing is an athletic, deep-lying midfielder who escapes pressure and progresses possession to a high level, both as a ball-carrier and passes. As Xhaka does not have much support in the Defensive/Holding midfield area, Lokonga will look to add more dynamism as opposed to Partey’s relatively slow play. However, this will be one of his biggest tests
Manchester City
G. Jesus
Although Pep Guardiola might not start him, he will make a good impact off the bench. He was plagued at the right-winger position and was getting into good positions, looking more confident with every minute on the pitch. The city has expressed that they don’t want to sell Jesus yet and are confident about the 24-year-old.
Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez has started most of the recent games for City. Although he did not start against Norwich, he did manage to score a goal which should put him in strong contention for a starting spot. His playing style has never changed since his Leicester days. His only worry is his consistency and the ability to step up when they need him the most.
Conclusion
It is an intriguing contest in the Premier League as we are gradually witnessing the rise of few talents on both sides, especially Arsenal with so many young talents. There is also the prospect of seeing how Arteta has improved against his former boss and one of the best managers in the game, Guardiola.
There is no better occasion than this for Arsenal than this to go all guns blazing as it is easily one of the toughest opponents, they will face this year. So, pick your teams, take your seats and be ready for some weekend footballing entertainment.
For more such articles do click here
