Title defenders Manchester City host Arsenal in one of the biggest clashes in the Premier League today. This is a potential title decider as the Gunners will be keen on gaining the top spot tonight.
Pep Guardiola’s men have won all of their first four fixtures this season. However, Mikel Arteta’s men are the biggest challenge for the Cityzens. The Gunners’ won at the Emirates last season, and earned a hard fought draw at the Etihad.
Man City midfielder Rodri emphasized on the difference in mentality between the two teams following their fourth successive league title. Speaking to Optus Sports, he says;
“To be honest, it’s in here, it’s the mentality. Arsenal did an unbelievable season, but I think the difference was in here.”
“When Arsenal came here at the Etihad, I saw them. Ah, these guys, they don’t want to beat us, they just want to draw. We wouldn’t do it the same way…”
Arsenal star focused on winning against City tonight
English winger, Bukayo Saka, wasn’t impressed by the comments made by Rodri last season about the Gunners’ mentality. The Spaniard took a dig at their style of play and “park the bus” approach at the business end of the season.
He stated that, ultimately that one point gave the City players added boost which helped them clinch their fourth successive league title.
Now the English winger has hit back at the Spaniard saying that they will visit the Etihad to win tonight. He emphasized that the players are fully motivated and the focus is to win all three points on Sunday. He says;
“This Sunday we will be going there to win as well. That is our focus.”
“To be honest, I dont really care [about Rodri’s comments]. We know what we believed, we know what we went there to achieve.“
“Only we know the real truth. We went there to win and we are going to do that again this Sunday.”
It is felt that the manager will use Rodri’s comments as added motivation for his players to win tonight. The Gunners’ fell short of just two points last season, thus they know the importance of the three points. It will be interesting how Mikel Arteta sets his team up for today.
Both the teams have improved their respective squads this season. It is expected to be a highly engaging and tactical game between the two clubs tonight.
Team News: Predicted Lineups and Match Prediction
Kevin De Bruyne is doubtful after suffering a groin injury against Inter Milan. Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are also out of the squad due to injury.
Mateo Kovacic is expected to feature in the midfield tonight along with Rodri which will provide much needed stability in the middle of the park.
For the travelling side, they are set to miss Martin Odegaard for this clash, which is a massive blow. Riccardo Calafiori is set to return tonight. Havertz might be pushed back into the number nine role, with Jorginho taking his place in the midfield.
Man City predicted XI vs Arsenal
4-2-3-1 formation:
Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Silva, Grealish; Haaland
Arsenal predicted XI vs Man City
4-3-3 formation:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Predictions:
The best teams in England go head to head tonight, making this fixture very unpredictable. Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola are one of the finest managers in Europe with high tactical IQ. This game will be end to end and a tactical battle between the two Spaniards.
One should not expect too many goals this game, as both the teams boast a strong defensive unit. The Citizens have been dominant so far in the league, outscoring every opponent so far. However, the Gunners’ have been more organised and compact than last season.
Mikel Arteta’s men have kept four cleansheets so far in all competitions, showcasing their ability to shut down opposition’s attack. They kept out Tottenham with a depleted squad last week.
This will be a very tight game, the difference between the teams won’t be more than one goal if a winner emerges. This game would be a brilliant watch for the football fans who fancy a tactical battle.
Prediction: Man City 1-0 Arsenal
Kick-off Time: 16:30 (GMT) / 11:30 (ET)/ 21:00 (IST)
Location: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Premier league streaming on: Sky Sports TV in the U.K and Disney Hotstar in India.
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