Arsenal v Manchester City
Football: England : Premier League
Saturday, 24th April 2010 - Kickoff 5:30pm

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Arsenal (3rd) Home : 14-1-2 44:15

Arsenal's undersized squad has (once again) caught up with manager Arsene Wenger at the business end of the season, and even some with Wengers patience must finally be ready to admit that more players of experience are required to compete in English football.

The season is almost over for Arsenal now, who probably require three points in total somewhere in the next three games in order to cement 3rd spot and automatic qualification for next season Champions League group stages.

But the capitulation at Wigan last weekend, has put an extra edge on these games now, with the manager likely to be looking closely at all of his players to display a better attitude.

As a Gooner, I'd love to see Arsenal show something special, some character or fight in response to recent losses, but this side is lightweight and unbalanced - it's full of kids who are probably already planning their World Cup summer.

Of course, Arsenal's record at home is pretty good with 14 wins from 17 games at the Emirates, but those two defeats came against Chelsea, and Man United, and the draw against Everton. This week's opponents are also within that calibre of opposition.

Manchester City (5th) Away : 6-7-4 31:24

Manchester City were surprisingly sluggish last weekend at home to United in the lunchtime derby, with Carlos Tevez very subdued as if he was instructed to avoid controversy, and generally City were outfought and outplayed by United.

I was also very surprised at manager Roberto Mancini's tactics late on - as it appeared that the City manager was satisified with a point against United - when the race for 4th spot suggests that more was required.

Mancini has said that finishing 4th will make it easier to acquire players of the calibre that he needs to improve the squad - and in order to achieve that aim City will need to take smoething from this game.

City have been playing very well recently, and should travel to London with some confidence having beaten Chelsea (4-2) and Fulham (2-1) in their last two trips to the capital.

The Betting Verdict :

Arsenal's best lineup has been battered by this season, and with a dodgy keeper, suspect centre-backs, and a light-weight midfield I think that the Gunners are limping towards the finish line.

Manchester City are in better form, and players like Adebayor and Toure have a special reason to want to play well in their first return to the Emirates.

So I do expect City to show more commitment - to match the visitors obvious talents as well - and I expect the Man City to get something from this game.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Arsenal 45% - Draw 32% - Man City 23%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I have the DRAW as the best value result given the prices.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Or take MANCHESTER CITY +0.5 goal on the asian handicap, which will payout if City avoid defeat. (main bet)