Arsenal vs Manchester City Live Streams and TV Channels

Arsenal vs Manchester City Match Preview

Since a big investment was made at Manchester City, the Citizens have been looked at in a completely different light. With essentially unlimited amounts of cash, and the ability to bring in some of the best players in the world, they should be able to claim the title with ease.

Well, as we saw last season, the title in the Premier League isn't easy to claim, regardless of the money you spend. On Sunday, we will see two clubs with different philosophies face off at the Emirates in a match that is important for the Gunners.

With Arsene Wenger at the helm, Arsenal's approach to the world of football has helped them grow financially and as an organization. But, as we all know, running Arsenal Football Club as a business doesn't necessarily bring you trophies. 

So with Manchester City spending all they want, when they want, and the Gunners spending small amounts in hopes of finding the next Thierry Henry, what gives on Sunday?

The visitors will be without a few key players, which could give Arsenal the edge as the match carries on. 

Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure have left to represent their country in the African Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, former Arsenal man Samir Nasri is serving a suspension which will rule him out of this match.

Another key figure missing for City will most likely be Argentine striker Kun Aguero. A slight issue with his hamstring could keep him out of the match, but he will face a late fitness test.

Long-term injuries for the Citizens include Maicon, Aleksandar Kolarov, Micah Richards, and Jack Rodwell.

Having so many important absences in the squad and seeing how inconsistent Mancini's men have been throughout the season, Arsene Wenger's side should definitely be motivated for this match.

As if all City's absences aren't enough to motivate the Gunners, their record at home against the Citizens should also be a big motivator. In 79 matches between the two sides where Arsenal was the host, the visitors have only managed to claim the victory on 11 occasions. 

City's last victory at the Emirates came last season in a 0-1 match in the Carling Cup. In matches Premier League matches, you have to go all the way back to 1975 to find the last victory for City away to Arsenal.

In front of their home fans, and with Theo Walcott looking to prove to the Arsenal directors that he is worth the money he requests, Arsenal could have City against the ropes.

French International Olivier Giroud will face a late fitness test after a knock he took against Swansea City. His absence from the squad should confirm Walcott's place as the lone striker, but he may have had the start in the central role regardless of Giroud's fitness.

Previous Matches 

09-23-12 Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal

04-08-12 Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City

12-18-11 Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal

11-29-11 Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City (Carling Cup)

01-05-11 Arsenal 0-0 Manchester City

Prediction

Looking back on the previous meetings between these two sides, all signs point to a low-scoring and hard-fought affair. But, what makes Arsenal so difficult to understand is how they surprise you with their best and their worst when things look straight forward.

Who would have thought that they would have put seven goals past Newcastle? I don't think anyone did, and many likely expected a tight game. Or who would have expected the Gunners to lose 0-2 at home against Swansea? 

On Sunday, the Arsenal fans will be singing to the tune of Theo Walcott, as they will be hoping he will have signed a contract extension by kickoff. But regardless of his contract talks, Walcott will be a main focal point for the Gunners going forward. His pace should cause problems for the City back line despite the visitors having the lowest number of shots against in the Premier League to date in the current campaign.

Yaya Toure's absence could cause problems for the Citizen's in the midfield as they will be missing his pace, creativity, and physicality in the center of the park. Who is going to fill that void left by the Ivorian International? Who will make those late runs into the box?

Former Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia will most likely get the start in the defensive midfield role, but his presence on the pitch isn't nearly as influential as his missing teammates.Set pieces and corner kicks are Garcia's forte, but having to deal with Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, and Mikel Arteta in the midfield could prove to be a tall order for the new City player. Let's also not forget the possibility of Arsenal seeing French International Abou Diaby take the pitch again after yet another prolonged injury.

Defeating City won't be an easy task for Arsenal, but with them missing some influential players, the Gunners have a very good shot at taking the full three points. Keeping close tabs on Edin Dzeko will be important as he has been in good form as of late.

The Arsenal back line will also need to make sure they keep Spanish trickster David Silva far away from their goal. The further back Silva receives the ball, the less influential he will be in City's offense. That same tactic holds true for City's defensive duties against Cazorla. Forcing the two Spanish midfielders to organize the offense from a deep position could take some of their spark out of the match.

Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City

How do you think the match will play out? Let us know in the comments below or let me know on Twitter.

Follow @MGoncalves10

Arsenal vs Manchester City Match Statistics

Related News

• Wenger still bitter about Robin van Persie loss ahead of Arsenal vs Man City
  Theo Walcott might have proven to be Arsenal’s new superstar but Arsene Wenger is still bitter about losing Robin van Persie to Manchester United last summer.
• Transfer news: Manchester City target Edison Cavani wants Balotelli partnership
  If the majority of people believe that Mario Balotelli is a troublesome player, Napoli’s Edison Cavani thinks differently. The prolific Uruguayan striker wishes to play alongside the Italian.
• Transfer news: Theo Walcott gets pay rise and more years at Arsenal
  Die-hard Arsenal supporters have some transfer related news to celebrate this week as fan favourite Theo Walcott has reportedly signed a four-and-half year contract extension with the club.
• Arsenal Vs. Manchester City: Three key players for the Gunners
  Arsenal kicks off a spell of several matches in a short period of time on Sunday against Manchester City at the Emirates.

Arsenal vs Manchester City Fan Discussion