The last two league meetings between the two sides ended in draws, however both of those matches were played at the Emirates and it will be a completely different ball game when Man City and Arsenal meet at the Etihad on Sunday.
The Citizens recorded a big win over their counterparts in the fixture last season and the Gunners will be keen to avoid a similar fate. There are a few key battles to look out for which will have a significant effect on the outcome as well as the tactics deployed by the two managers which will decide the match.
Sergio Aguero vs Alexis Sanchez
Both the forwards from South America will be relishing the challenge to get the better of one another when the two sides meet. The two men have been on a tremendous goal scoring run this season with Sergio Aguero having scored 14 and Sanchez 12.
Sanchez in particular has been phenomenal in recent games and has scored three and assisted two in his last two appearances for the club. Aguero's time on the pitch meanwhile has been limited due to an injury he has been carrying but the Argentinean will be hoping he can hit the ground running during the game. Both players got on the score sheet during the reverse fixture at the Emirates but neither proved to be decisive, on Sunday the performance of both the players can have a significant effect on the result.
David Silva vs Coquelin
It is a battle which will be giving Arsenal fans shivers as their midfield novice prepares to go against the Spanish wizard. Silva has been one of the most important players in the Man City setup over the years and this season is no different. His incisive passing and creativity in the final third can make life very difficult for the opposition and it is very important that Arsenal devise a plan to keep him in control.
Francis Coquelin is expected to make his fifth consecutive start for the Gunners and will have a momentous task to keep Silva at bay. The French international was recalled from loan earlier in the season and has performed admirably upon his return but is without a doubt about to face his stiffest challenge.
Fernandinho vs Santi Cazorla
Arsenal's Spanish midfield maestro has been a joy to watch in recent games and has enjoyed a rich vein of form when operating from the middle of the park. In the absence of the injured Mesut Ozil who has now returned to the squad, Cazrola performed the role of the primary playmaker with aplomb.
Cazorla is the player who collects the ball from deep and dictates tempo and if City want to disrupt Arsenal's game it is important that the Spaniard is not allowed much time on the ball. Fernandinho is no stranger to the role and will be responsible to ensure that Cazorla is kept quiet. Should he successfully do so, City will surely have the upper hand in the game.
Arsenal should avoid playing a high line
A tactic which yielded disastrous effects in the same fixture last season and one Arsene Wenger will be smart to ignore this time. The Frenchman deployed a high defensive line when the two sides met at the Etihad last time and the Citizens took full advantage of it by destroying the Gunners with their pace. Arsenal suffered heavily when they used the same tactic against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool last season as well and it is important that they do not repeat the same mistake.
Man City can benefit from pacy wingers
The Arsenal defence has been very brittle this season and this is one area Man City will definitely be looking to exploit. Their backline is very vulnerable to pace and it will not come as a surprise if Manuel Pellegrini decides to field Jesus Navas for Sunday's game.
Mathieu Debuchy's injury means that Calum Chambers is almost certain to start at right back and even though the former Southampton man is a competent defender, his lack of pace often makes him a target for pacy wingers.
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