Man City vs Arsenal – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

City sit just six points behind the Gunners with a game in hand. Arsenal have lost three of their last four matches and were beaten by City in the Carabao Cup final just four weeks ago.

Man City Form

Man City had been on an 11-match unbeaten run before a shock 3-0 loss away to Real Madrid. They drew 1-1 at West Ham despite a 24-1 shot count. After losing 2-1 to Real Madrid in the second leg of their European tie, they beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final in a fine performance.

City’s improved form continued with a dominant 4-0 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals as they looked back to their best. Last week, they dominated the second to win 3-0 at Chelsea. They has 63% possession and 2.29 xG in that win, whilst allowing Chelsea just 1.14 xG.

Man City Team News

Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias are ruled out in defence for Man City.  John Stones could return to the squad but he is not expected to start.

Nico O’Reilly went off in the win at Chelsea with a hamstring complaint. Rayan Ait-Nouri is on standby to deputise.

Man City Motivation

City are playing well and look full of belief. This is a must-win match, and they know a victory could deal Arsenal a psychological blow.

Man City expect to dominate possession in this match. They will expect Arsenal to arrive with a low block.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal have lost three of their last five matches. They have seen their lead in the EPL table cut to six points having played a game more. Prior to this poor run, they had won 11 of 14 matches and looked like possible quadruple contenders. A 2-0 loss to Man City in the Carabao Cup final saw them miss out on one trophy.

A 2-1 loss at Championship side Southampton ended their FA Cup hopes. They went to Sporting Lisbon at won 1-0, but they lost their last league matches. A 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth saw the Gunners miss four clear cut chances. In midweek, a dull match saw a 0-0 home draw vs Sporting Lisbon in the second leg to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta is hoping to have Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori available for this match. All three will need late fitness tests.

Mikel Merino remains absent in midfield and Martin Odegaard is struggling with a knee complaint. Noni Madueke took a knock in the week and is doubtful.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners knows this is basically a league decider. A draw would be a superb result and keep the title race in their hands.

A defeat would be a massive blow and could see Arsenal’s league season collapse. They are expected to play defensively in this one, with a big focus on maximising set-pieces.

Key Stats

• Man City’s Erling Haaland has scored 6 goals in his last 10 matches
• Man City have won 5 of their last 7 EPL matches
• Arsenal have lost 3 of their last 5 matches (unbeaten in 14 before that)
• Arsenal have lost just 1 of their last 7 matches vs Man City (2 wins, 4 draws)

Verdict

This match is set to be very tight. A City win by one goal or a draw are the most likely outcomes.

Best Bet: Man City win at 1.84

Alternate Bet: Man City win by exactly one goal margin at 3.45

Goalscorer Tip: Erling Haaland to score anytime at 2.00