Having gotten themselves right back into the title race and looking like they would take some stopping in a bid to win back to back Premier League titles for the first time in their history, Manchester City suffered a setback last week by only taking a point at Goodison Park. Ordinarily, a draw away to Everton would not be considered a bad result but having taken the lead in the closing stages they were unable to hold on to it and had to settle for one, rather than three points. It means they now trail leaders Chelsea by two points and makes this weekends home game against Arsenal even more important.
Arsenal fans have probably felt their side were getting their act together a few times this season only to be dealt a dose of reality in the next game. They were convincing winners over Stoke last Sunday and with the continued food form of Alexis Sanchez, the Gunners will hope that they can build on it and get a result in a ‘big’ game. That, of course, has been their undoing in recent seasons so Sunday will provide another opportunity to put their poor record against the top clubs behind them. They can take heart from the previous meeting with City where they took a deserved point.
City had their chequebook out again this week with the £30m purchase of Wilfred Bony from Swansea but the Ivorian is on international duty for the next few weeks meaning the responsibility of scoring the goals will be on Sergio Aguero who returned to the squad last week. They have done well in his absence but having been in scintillating form before his injury, his return will be most welcome for all connected with the club.
It’s now nine wins in their last 12 for Arsenal but their vulnerability away from home is there for all to see having dropped eight points from their last four games on their travels. A visit to the Etihad is hardly the match they would be looking to improve that record in having lost 6-3 last season but that should add further motivation to avoid a repeat and get a result against the Champions.
These games often involve goals and both sides will have plenty of attacking options on the park but I think the home win is the way to go. City will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last week and the return of Aguero will boost everybody. He can prove the difference.
Manchester City 5/6 @ Coral
