Arsenal v Man City Betting Preview

Arsenal vs Manchester City Barclays Premier League Betting Preview: Arsenal will welcome back some familiar names to the Emirates on Saturday, as they take on Manchester City in one of the day’s highlight games in the Barclays Premier League. Most of the attention will be focused on City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who caused disruption when the two sides met earlier in the season in the league. Former Gunner Adebayor unwisely ran the entire length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in City’s 4-2 win, right in front on the Arsenal supporters, who were a little aggrieved by his somewhat tasteless actions. Adebayor was sold by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in the summer, as Manchester City, then under Mark Hughes, looked to spend their way into Premier League contention. Not only with Arsenal see the striker again, but other ex-Gunners Patrick Vieira, Sylvinho and Kolo Toure, who are all now playing at Eastlands. The Togo star is one to watch for in the fixture though, as he has netted in the four previous meetings between the two clubs. That is the kind of streak that football betting is worth leaning on.

Arsenal are still struggling with injury problems, with the notable absentees being Andrei Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas. Wenger has issues at the back, with first choice keeper Almunia missing, as well as key defenders William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen. Arsenal has an epic collapse in their last Premier League fixture, as they capitulated in the last 10 minutes to squander a 2-0 lead against Wigan. That shock 3-2 defeat put a massive dent in Arsenal’s title hopes, which means that they will finish the season without any silverware again. They are not mathematically out of the race for the title, just in all practicality, it is not going to happen for them, as they are six points behind leaders Chelsea with just three games remaining for the top sides in the division. A win for the Gunners will guarantee them Champions League football next season, with at least a third place finish.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will have been tearing his hair out last weekend as well, as his side looked to have held rivals Manchester United to a scoreless draw. However, that satisfaction was torn away as veteran Paul Scholes popped up and net an injury time winner for the reds. Manchester City still have ambitions of their own to play for, as they struggle to chase down Tottenham for the fourth and final Champions League spot. City are two points behind Tottenham, as they really look for some reward on their big summer spending spree. That will be a big triumph for them if they can secure that, and means that it will at least be a step in the direction for the club. The fans have been promised bigger things and a place in the Champions League would certainly be just that. Third place in the league is automatic qualification for the Champions League this year, while the fourth place team goes into the qualification stage.

City do not have a great record against Arsenal when they travel to the Gunner’s home turf, as they have lost on the last five occasions. Arsenal are generally a very strong team at home, but Manchester city have proven quite a stubborn team, especially from the perspective of drawing matches, and have decent away form. City have only lost four times on the road this season, a better record than Saturday’s opponents, as well as Chelsea and Manchester United. There is a big three points at stake between the two teams on Saturday, as City need to close the gap on Tottenham, while they are being pressured by Aston Villa who are just one point behind them. City still have to play both of those two teams. With the recent history of players between the two teams, there should be a highly charged atmosphere at the Emirates on Saturday. Arsenal still play some of the most creative and attractive football in the Premier League, while City at times have enjoyed some great attacking performances, generally led by Argentinean star Carlos Tevez.

Arsenal v Man City Betting Stats

Last 5 Head to Head
Man City3, Arsenal 0
Man City 4, Arsenal 2
Arsenal 2, Man City 0
Man City 3, Arsenal 0
Man City 1, Arsenal 3

Last 5 Match Goals
Arsenal: 6 For, 6 Against
Man City: 14 For, 5 Against

Last 10 Match Form
Arsenal: W7, D1, L2
Man City: W5, D3, L2

Win Percentage
Arsenal have an 82.4 win percentage at home
Man City have a 35.3 win percentage away from home

Match Prices
Arsenal to win: Evens at SkyBet
Draw: 13/5 at ExtraBet
Man City to win: 3/1 at Ladbrokes

Emanuel Adebayor Anytime Goalscorer: 2/1 at Ladbrokes

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: Arsenal are among the top scorers in the league, while Manchester City have certainly had an eye for goal over the past few matches (until they ran into Man Utd). Both teams will enjoy the rewards of the three points for different reasons, and on paper they should play out a fairly even match. City have gotten the better of Arsenal twice this season (one in the Carling Cup) but Arsenal’s points haul at home is impressive. They are missing Fabregas and Arshavin, and have lost the two previous games. With the Gunner’s weakened back line it could be a chance for City to capitalise, although it’s hard to back against Arsenal at home where they have won 14 out of 17. Probably even, and there shouldn’t be too much of a goal difference to look at in betting here. City in the slight plus ascendancy should bring a bit of reward for a draw.
Man City +0.50 Asian Handicap: 7/8 at Bet365