Arsenal takes on Manchester City at the Emirates tonight knowing that a win would be a massive boost in their attempt to win this season’s Premier League.
With Chelsea languishing near the bottom of the table, and the wheels coming off the bus of Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United, it is Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City that is seen at the Gunners biggest threat for the title, assuming league leaders Leicester implode as everyone expects them to do.
As for tonight’s line-up for the Gunners the good news is that there are no new injury’s to report since the 2-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend, which means that manager Arsene Wenger can go with his preferred back-line of Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, and Nacho Monreal.
And while Wenger said that a couple of players could return to the team we are unlikely to see any changes to the team that started over a week ago which means both Flamini and Ramsey playing in front of the back four while genius Mesut Ozil will be looking to add to his already very impressive 13 assists so far this season.
With Vincent Kompany missing for City, Theo Walcott will be given the opportunity to run at the Citizens defence while lone striker Olivier Giroud spearheads the Gunners attack.
This now leaves one place up for grabs, and although Wenger said he expected Alexis Sanchez to be ready to play we cannot see the Frenchman rushing him back following the hamstring strain that has had him side-lined for the last few weeks.
Therefore we are going to tip Costa Rican international Joel Campbell to get the nod over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with the England international having struggled when given playing time this season. Depending on the result he could be introduced to the match around the 80 minute mark should Arsenal find themselves needing a goal.
Key for Arsenal tonight will be how well the Gunners defend and the hope that goalkeeper Petr Cech once more brings his A-game to work, while at the other end of the pitch Arsenal must find a way to get past England goalkeeper Joe Hart.
We have a funny feeling that this match do to the style of play could be a goal fest, so we are backing Arsenal to win 3-2 at odds of 25/1 with Bet365.
Here is how we think Arsenal will line up:
