Manchester City vs Arsenal London - Premier League, 16. round
Date: Saturday, 14 December 2013 - 1:45 pm CET - 12:45 UK (BST)
Date: Saturday, 14 December 2013 - 1:45 pm CET - 12:45 UK (BST)
Stadium: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom
Manchester City host the leading Arsenal in the upcoming game to be played during the 16th
matchday of the English Premier League on Saturday, 14 December 2013. For Arsene Wenger’s
men it will be a major test as far as their title aspirations are
concerned, especially taken into account the City’s performance at the
Etihad Stadium which has been a fortress so far this season.
Manchester City head
into the match as the fourth side of the English Premier League table
and the clash against Arsenal will be their chance to close the gap on
the Gunners to only three points. Manchester City’s form seems to be a
bit patchy this season but it does not refer to their home matches which
they all won scoring 29 goals in these seven games (this accounts for
more or less 4 goals per game). During the week they managed to take 2:3
victory over Bayern München when they travelled to Germany for the
final match of the Champions League group stage. Manuel Pellegrini’s
side dropped some points playing their last Premiership game when they
only grasped one point against Southampton on the road. When it comes to
the squad situation it seems to be satisfactory with no key players but
Richards being unavailable.
Arsenal are
now sitting atop of the English league table with five points ahead of
second Liverpool and third Chelsea. The gap between them and their
upcoming opponent, the Citizens is only six points. Loosing the game
will not deprive the Gunners of their first position but the advantage
over other sides will melt to almost none. Arsene Wenger’s has recently
shaken their great solid winning form. During the last week of English
Premier League their match against Everton resulted only in a 1:1 draw.
More frustrating for the Gunners may be the Italian defeat last
Wednesday against Napoli. The Londoners still qualified for the last 16
of the Champions League but the inability to score a goal against Napoli
may worry their supporters. The top players, Aaron Ramsey and Jack
Wilshere were rested during the Champions League clash and will
definitely return to the Saturday’s first line-up.
Head-to-Head:
Last Meeting: 10.08.13 Manchester City 1:3 Arsenal
Wins ManCity: 40
Wins Arsenal: 83
Draws: 38
Wins ManCity: 40
Wins Arsenal: 83
Draws: 38
