Arsenal and Manchester City go head-to-head on Saturday in what could prove to be a mouthwatering clash between two title contenders. The away side come to the Emirates Stadium as the champions of English football and there is good reason for that, an outstanding amount of depth and more importantly quality.
This is something fans of the North London outfit believe their side are lacking. The departures of Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna, who could feature this weekend, have left the side bare at the back. Injuries to Laurent Koscielny and the late coming of Per Mertesacker has showcased that the quality is only skin deep, with the lacklustre Nacho Monreal having to come in at centre-back at times. One shining light has been recent arrival Calum Chambers, the now England international looks an exciting prospect and can provide cover in a number of positions. The teenager did, however, look out of his depth against a strong Everton and it is unlikely the former Southampton starlet will start.
The back four were certainly under the microscope when these two met in Manchester last season, succumbing to a humiliating 6-3 defeat. A repeat of that scoreline appears improbable, with a first choice defence ready and waiting, coupled alongside the fact Arsenal are at home this time around. Despite the apparent gulf in class at The Etihad, in the reverse fixture the Citizens could only muster up a 1-1 draw as Mathieu Flamini canceled out David Silva’s opener. The Gunners’ home record against the top sides was something to be marvelled at when you look back at the previous campaign. The Emirates faithful saw no defeats to any of the top seven last term; winning two, drawing four whilst conceding just two goals in the Premier League.
The FA Cup holders are yet to lose this season but have dropped points to Everton and Leicester respectively. This has seen Arsene Wenger’s men drop to seventh place, already five points behind favourites Chelsea. This is something they’ll hope to rectify when the Sky Blues come to town, and they will do so with the aid of Aaron Ramsey, captain Mikel Arteta, record signing Mesut Ozil and Kieran Gibbs. Four players that could hold the key to any success Arsenal have this season.
The last time these two locked horns was in the Community Shield final at Wembley. Great if you win, meaningless if you lose; not much can be made of that convincing 3-0 victory in early August.
Gooners will be further interested at the starting XI ‘Le Prof’ will put out against such feared opposition. Will Danny Welbeck start? Will Sanogo get another chance up top? What positions will Ozil and Wilshere take up? Only time will tell but if the longest serving manager in English football gets it right, Manchester City could have a real game on their hands.
