Match Preview: Arsenal Vs Manchester City, Emirates Stadium

I for one am very excited about this game. It pits us against probably the most in form team in the Premiership at the moment, as the "new manager syndrome" helping to ensure that Man City got off to the very best possible start. It remains to be seen what sort of season they will have overrall, but confidence is high at Eastlands and they will provide a stern test for Arsenal this afternoon. In Sven's almost entirely new City team, there are a number of stand out players that Arsenal will have to combat to be able to come away with victory in my opinion. In Elano Blumer, they now have someone who is able to turn games with one moment of magic, and it'll be interesting whether or not Arsenal put anyone on him to do the same sort of job Gilberto does when he's in the side. I suspect Wenger won't man-mark him, which may leave Elano in enough space to do damage. And their other big player in my view, has undoubtedly got to be Micah Richards. I have been a massive fan of his for a while now, ever since he burst out on to the scene for Man City. He's dominant in the air, but as we never cross the ball above a height of three foot, that really isn't a huge problem. However, unlike many center backs he has enough pace to challenge all but the very fastest players at Arsenal, so he may just frustrate Arsenal today. Of course, Man City have other notable players now such as their right back Corluka, tricky winger Martin Petrov, and Geovanni, another dangerous attacking flair-player.

But of course, Arsenal definitely have more than their fair share of noteworthy players, and I would guess that we have enough talent in our ranks to be able to overwhelm City at home. Once again the biggest threat for Arsenal as far as goalscoring is concerned has to be Robin van Persie, as he looks to continue his record of scoring in each of Arsenal's opening EPL fixtures so far. Another key has to be the classy Cesc Fabregas, whose performance could be the difference between winning or losing. We rely on the 20 year old's telling through balls for much of our creative threat, so if he plays well, we'll more than likely win. Simple as that.

Injury news:

Arsenal: Captain William Gallas is set to be out for a while, with Eboue and Jens Lehmann joining him on the injured list for this game as well. However, Gilberto Silva is set for a return to the bench having been rested following captaining Brazil to Copa America victory in the summer. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Adebayor bolsters Arsenals striking options, returning from a groin injury.

Manchester City: Of Sven's summer spending spree, only Bojinov will be unable to play, having got an injury in the opening moments of Sundays clash with city rivals Man Utd.


My estimated line-ups:

Arsenal:
------------------------- Almunia -------------------------

Sagna ----------- Toure ----------- Senderos ------ Clichy

Hleb ------------ Flamini ---------- Fabregas ----- Rosicky

------------------ van Persie ------------------------------
--------------------------------- Adebayor ---------------


Manchester City:
------------------------- K Schmeichel -------------------------

Corluka ----------- Dunne ----------- Richards ------ Garrido

Geovanni ------------ Hamann ---------- Ireland ----- M Petrov

--------------------------- Elano --------------------------------
-------------------------- Bianchi -------------------------------

Match Prediction:

Arsenal 3-1 Manchester City *

I feel Arsenal may just have a little too much for a City side away from home, but it could just as easily be 1-0 to City or 1-1 if Arsenal get off to a sluggish start and struggle to open up Manchester City's defence.

* You'll soon realise that any predictions made in this blog are likely to be way off the mark.