Prediction
- These used to be the fixtures where Arsenal were comprehensively turned over, but that is starting to change now as Arsene Wenger’s men seem to have developed a new found sense of maturity on the pitch. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last three league meetings with City, notably beating them 2-0 in Manchester in January. They have managed to get through their recent matches without dropping points, but this will be the biggest test of their thin squad, particularly with Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey in the middle.
- Manchester City have floundered in recent weeks and required a stoppage time goal to overcome managerless Swansea at the weekend. There are also now off field distractions for Manuel Pellegrini to deal with, amid strong reports suggesting Pep Guardiola has told Bayern Munich he will leave at the end of the season. The City boss needs to get Vincent Kompany back on the pitch and his absence could prove decisive in this match.
