| |
Match preview - Man City vs. Arsenal - Big spenders face sternest test yet
Thursday 10 September 2009
The Premier League returns to action after the international break with a mouthwatering tie at the City of Manchester Stadium. Money-bags Man City will be looking to maintain their bright start to the season against an Arsenal team whose last outing saw them go down 2-1 at Manchester United. While City are yet to concede a goal this season, Arsenal have let in at least one in every game, although it is fair to say they have compensated at the other end by scoring 11 times in three Premier League games, compared to City’s four league strikes so far. Former Gunners forward Emmanuel Adebayor will face his old club, looking to continue his impressive goalscoring form, while Kolo Toure will be another ex-Arsenal player aiming to get the better of his old teammates.
Manchester City - Providing all players come back from international duty unscathed, Hughes should opt to start with the same back four that started in their last match at Portsmouth, with Toure and Joleon Lescott continuing their new partnership along with Wayne Bridge and Micah Richards lining up in full-back areas. In midfield, City will be hoping that Robinho can return after being rested last time out - providing he recovers from a slight knock picked up while playing for Brazil - as he was one of the stars when Arsenal were humbled in corresponding fixture last year. Gareth Barry, Stephen Ireland and Shaun Wright-Phillips should make up the rest of the midfield, as Hughes continues with much of the same side that has served him so well thus far. Up front, Adebayor will be hungry to prove that Arsenal were wrong to sell him, and is likely to be supported by Craig Bellamy, after Carlos Tevez was ruled out with a knee injury he picked up while away with Argentina
1 Given
2 Richards - 28 Toure – 19 Lescott – 3 Bridge
8 Wright-Phillips – 7 Ireland – 18 Barry – 10 Robinho
25 Adebayor – 39 Bellamy
Arsenal - Club captain Cesc Fabregas may return after his making his comeback from a hamstring injury this week for Spain, while Theo Walcott may well be back in contention, having been out for over a month, but a place on the bench will be the very best he can push for. Arsene Wenger is likely to stick with the same line-up as the one that was defeated at Old Trafford with Fabregas' expected return the only change. At the back, Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas have formed an impressive partnership, while Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy will look to get forward at every opportunity. In midfield, Alex Song will play a holding role, allowing Emmanuel Eboue, Abou Diaby and Fabregas freedom to get further forward and support the attack. Robin Van Persie and Andrei Arshavin are likely to start, although Wenger can also call on Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo if he wants to freshen things up.
1 Almunia
3 Sagna- 10 Gallas – 5 Vermaelen – 22 Clichy
17 Song
27 Eboue – 4 Fabregas – 2 Diaby – 23 Arshavin
11 Van Persie
Manchester City face by far their biggest test of the season so far, and this game will really show their credentials. Arsenal will want to get back to winning ways as soon as possible, and a win against their rivals would provide a timely confidence boost. Although victorious last season, Man City have lost more home games against Arsenal than any other opponent in the Premier League, and Hughes will be aware of the threat the Gunners pose. City have gone 15 Premier League matches without drawing a game, although one would feel that both sides may ultimately be happy with a point from this game. The first goal will be crucial, but with both sides likely to be adopting an attacking mentality, we could be in for an early season treat.
Match Previews
Man City vs. Arsenal
Birmingham vs. Aston Villa
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
Related Articles
| |