English Premier
2012-04-08 - Arsenal vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Manchester City will know that they cannot afford to lose this match when they travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tonight as this is the match Mancini said could end any chances of their title hopes if they were to suffer a defeat here.
After the 3-3 draw with Sunderland last weekend, Manchester City's title hopes were dealt a blow in a match that was filled with drama and controversy.
Manchester City needed Manchester United to slip up but that didn't happen yet and the Red Devils beat Blackburn on Monday to open up a five-point lead at the top heading into this match before the eagerly anticipated Manchester derby at the end of this month. And that advantage could be stretched to eight points by the time City take to the field at 4pm as United are in action against Queens Park Rangers for the earlier kickoff on Super Sunday.
Mancini knows a win at Arsenal is a must since such a gap would be difficult for them to catch United. That will not be easy as they have won none of their last 26 away league games against Arsenal but did win there in the Carlin Cup this season however.
Arsenal were surprisingly beaten 2-1 by QPR in their last match but Arsene Wenger's side had previously been on a good run of form prior to that defeat. As it is now Arsenal are in fourth spot after Tottenham's draw against Swansea yesterday allowed them to move a point ahead of Arsenal. Behind them are Chelsea and Newcastle with just two points difference.
Therefore Arsene Wenger will also be targetting a win in this match to keep their bid for UEFA Champions League football on track and also to prove what they are capable of for next season's campaign.
Team News :
Arsenal Team News :
Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns ahead of this match but Wenger could decide to make changes following the loss to QPR. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho are among those who will be hoping for a recall after being left out of the starting eleven at Loftus Road.
Midfielders Abou Diaby and Francis Coquelin (both hamstring) are set to return to full training next week. Centre-back Per Mertesacker (ankle) and midfielder Jack Wilshere (ankle) remain out of the side.
Manchester City Team News :
Manchester City are hopeful striker Sergio Aguero will be fit for the trip to the capital after missing the draw against Sunderland with a foot injury which Mancini called a stupid injury. Defender Joleon Lescott (hip) is back for selection while midfielder Samir Nasri could also return against his former club after sitting out last weekend after a family problem and slight injury.
Mancini will be hoping David Silva can find his form as the Spaniard has failed to score since Christmas. Mario Balotelli is in contention after escaping unhurt from a car crash in Manchester city while forward Carlos Tevez is again likely to be among the substitutes.
Possible lineups
Arsenal : Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie.
Manchester City : Hart, Richards, K Toure, Kompany, Clichy, Milner, Y Toure, Barry, Silva, Nasri, Aguero.
Predictions :
Take Manchester City and accept the 1/4 ball here. They cannot afford to lose an at best it could end in a draw.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for the draw in this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Take Manchester City and accept the +1/4 ball here.
Take Manchester City and accept the +1/4 ball here.
