Arsenal vs. Manchester City – Match Preview 13/1/ 2013

Arsenal vs. Manchester City Match Preview

If someone around you has referred to this Sunday as Super Sunday, he was absolutely right as this truly is just that super! After the derby between Manchester United and Liverpool will end, another big match will begin. With both teams in form, what could possibly happen?

Venue and Timings

The match will kick-off at the Emirates on 13^th January 2013 at 1600 GMT (2100 PST and 2130 IST).

Team Form

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has a different situation ahead of him this time as most of his players are available to play on Sunday.

Abou Diaby might not return to action on Sunday as rushing him might affect his recovery process.

The toughest decision he will have to make would be to choose between Walcott and Giroud. Both players can play up-front and would be wanting to prove himself. However, Walcott is more likely to be selected as Giroud had picked up a knock against the Swans and as Walcott is yet to be convinced to sign a new contract.

Manchester City

Roberto Mancini will not have Yaya Toure available for his squad so Javi Garcia might be started instead of him.

Sergio Aguero is out with a hamstring injury so Tevez and Dzeko will be replacing him.

Samir Nasri remains suspended while Nastasic and Lescott could be started along Kompany.

Recent Meetings

Star Man

Theo Walcott (Arsenal) : The 23-year old England attacking midfielder and center-forward has made quite a mark in the Premier League this season. He has appeared in 9 matches in which he has scored 8 goals and made 6 assists. His transition to the attack has proved benficial for Wenger considering his excellent finishing skills and his key passes. Walcott provides good counter attack threat. he likes to play as a dribbler and he enjoys making short passes.

David Silva (Manchester City) : Samir Nasri is one of the most significant player for Manchester City. Silva makes complete key passes and they are known to be his biggest strength. His holding on-to the ball is strong and he can provide some good amount of set-pieces threat. He likes to do lay-offs and take set-pieces as well. Despite not scoring many goals and making many assists, he is still City’s key player. 

My prediction: 2 – 1. Arsenal’s attacking form has been quite mentionable since they have put on Walcott upfront. Also, Arsenal enjoy a keen position against Manchester City because they always provide a good amount of threat to City. City would be looking to maintain their position on second as losing any further points might completely snatch away their title hopes.

Written by Rida Mehtab (@RidaaMehtaab on Twitter)