Arsenal sits in sixth currently in the Premier League table. A draw against City will send them up to fifth and ahead of bitter rivals Tottenham; however, a draw will leave them fighting harder for fourth as they would fall behind Manchester United. City must win to keep the gap between themselves and Chelsea to two points. Both teams have not slipped up too many times in their past few matches. They both have in fact claimed four wins in their last six matches. Arsenal's loss to Southampton though hurt them, sending them backwards. They beat Stoke, 3-0, with Alexis Sanchez starring once again in their previous match. Meanwhile City's slip up against Everton saw them go behind Chelsea. They had also drawn against struggling Burnley earlier.
As far as injuries are concerned, Arsenal's tally has reduced following the return of the enigmatic Mesut Özil to the squad. However, while Özil's return was celebrated, bad news awaited Mathieu Debuchy in the form of a dislocated shoulder. The defender has played quite well since his move to London but has also spent long periods on the sidelines. He will perhaps make it in time for the end of the season run-in. He will be needed if Arsenal are not safely in fourth spot by then. Other than him, Abou Diaby is out as are Jack Wilshere, Serge Gnabry and Mikel Arteta. Kieran Gibbs missed the match against Stoke and is supposed to have a late fitness test to determine his eligibility for this one. Danny Welbeck is a doubt for this one.
As far as City are concerned, Samir Nasri is out while Edin Dzeko is doubtful. Yaya Toure and new signing Wilfried Bony are away on international duty due to the African Cup of Nations. When City met Arsenal the previous time, the game finished in a 2-2 draw. Arsenal should have held on to their 74th minute lead (thanks to Alexis Sanchez) but could not do so and conceded via a set piece. Martin Demichelis was City's unlikely savior.
Can City take all three points this time? Interested in learning how you can watch the 2014-15 English Premier League? Check out our EPL Multi-Platform Broadcast Guide.
Manchester City vs Arsenal team sheets
Manchester City starting XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Fernandinho, Fernando, Navas, Silva, Milner, Aguero
Arsenal starting XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Sanchez, Giroud
Manchester City bench: Caballero, Mangala, Sagna, Kolarov, Lampard, Jovetic, Dzeko
Arsenal bench: Szczesny, Gibbs, Chambers, Flamini, Rosicky, Ozil, Walcott
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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