Arsenal v/s Manchester City: Preview

18 Yard Box has a look at the second Super Sunday clash between the Gunners and the Citizens.

The second of the block buster games this sunday features the defending champions Manchester City traveling to the Emirates to take on an Arsenal squad playing catch up yet again. 

18 Yard Box has a look at the clash and determines it outcome.

Arsenal

5 games without a defeat after the Bradford infamous game, Arsenal have appeared to have deliverede just been the kind of response the distraught fans would have asked for. The worries remain that Arsenal couldnt beat an average Southampton team in the league and ended up surrendering a lead at Swansea resulting in a FA cup replay.

Arsene Wenger has been busy sorting out his 'own home' and has been falling short again in bringing in quality in the transfer market with the 'Theo' situation stretching too long. 

Strengths

Theo Walcott might start in the centre with Giroud a doubt

Arsenal can score. Unlike last year they seem to be able to score from a lot of sources which means the options are more diversified unlike last season where it seemed the only goals scored seem to come of the left foot of a certain Dutchman. The midfield trio of Cazorla, Wilshere and Arteta seem to be finally getting into grip the way to play with each other and that can only mean good things for the Gunners. 

The much maligned defense in reality has been excellent being the team that has conceded the least number of goals this season. The likes of Per Mertesacker have been consistent and has been the rock in the Arsenal defense this season. The Steve Bould effect surely can be seen. Moreover, Kieran Gibbs looks excellent when he gets forward and will be the man to watch out for as he will make overlapping runs behind the City defense.

Weakness

Will they click?

Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna, two integral players of the squad seem to be having their awkward moments way to frequently. The contract saga not with standing, Walcott continues to blow hot and cold, what with a hattrick against Newcastle and then gone missing in the subsequent games against Saints and the Swans. Sagna who had been among the most consistent Arsenal players, appears to have lost pace and the crosses never seem to reach the intended target. 

The manager's continued faith in Ramsey and Gervinho (not available due to AFCON) has baffled a lot of the Arsenal faithfuls. Oxlade Chamberlain has not played as well as he did last season and Arsenal seem to lack quality in the wings.

To add to this, Arsenal's midfield have been far too incosistent. At times they play scintillating football but at times they look lost. Arsenal are in dire need of a game changer.

Manchester City

7 points behind, training ground bust ups, no new signings so far in the transfer window, injuries and players leaving for the African Nations cup. This doesnt make for a good reading if you are a city fan right now. 

Mancini needs to get his players sorted soon otherwise they might just come short across an unpredictable Gunners squad.

Strengths

Will he strike again?

City, after the loss at home to United, have come back with a bang and have continued winning at home and losing only once on the road against Sunderland. With Dzeko getting more starts, Tevez and Silva pulling the strings on the attacking front, Zabaleta and Kompany being rock solid in the defense, City continue to be among the teams to beat in the league. When the season moves towards the second half, the team which has the better bench strength and the mental  attitude of not giving up, end up triumph, city should know it all to well. 

Weakness

He will be dearly missed

No Aguero, no Toure brothers, no Nasri, City will find it tough without these players. Kolarov is the only one likely to make it back to the team for the Arsenal game and that means City will suddenly be short of personnel. The players who won the league last season dont seem to ignite the same kind of passion to this campaign so far. Even the normally reliable Joe Hart and David Silva seem to be having a stop start season. With Mario being as volatile as ever, City suddenly seem to be short of fire power with only Dzeko being the player who can play lone striker upfront.

The defense not look too assured with City being guilty of letting in cheap goals against smaller teams. City, who started brilliantly, have looked vulnerbale and this might bring about City's downfal.

Tactical Overview

Who will prove to be the master tactician?

City will probably play 4-5-1 or maybe even 4-4-1-1, with Dzeko leading the line and Tevez playing behind him. With Barry and Milner in the midfield, City would use the hard working men to cut the threat of the free passing midfield of the Gunners by stifling them for space. 

Arsenal on the other hand need to ensure that without the physical presence of Yaya Toure, the midfield will be bossed around by the more skillful of their players. The likes of Wilshere and Cazorla could have a field day if Arsenal can up the pace of their play. Walcott will again get to play at his favorite position upfront (Giroud is 50-50) and will have a chance to prove his credentials yet again.

The Final Verdict

Its been 37 years ( since 1975) since City came to Arsenal and beat them. With the key members missing, that doesnt seem likely to happen but a mounting deficit is not easy to cover and that may push City to play a bit more positively than they usually do when they come to the Emirates.The 2 teams produced one of the best games of this season when they met at Ettihad which resulted in dead heat between the teams.This too can be expected to produce the same.

An open game with Arsenal creating loads of chances can be on the cards. City will thrive on their counter attacking prowess. 

Goals in this one, with Arsenal to nick it by the odd goal in 3.

Written By,

Vinay Prabhakar

Vinay is a writer for 18 Yard Box.

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