MAN CITY VS ARSENAL: Pre-match Analysis and Predictions.

English Premier League is set to return on Wednesday 17th June 2020 with two fixtures on board. Arsenal will travel to Manchester to face Man City while Sheffield Utd will take on Aston Villa.


Manchester City vs Arsenal pre-match analysis and what you should know ahead of the game. Photo: M.E.N

Arsenal remain unbeaten in 2020 despite failing to register any win versus in 6 encounters against Manchester City since 2017. Man City have won all their fixtures against The Gunners and have only conceded 2 goals.

This match has three off field events between these sides.

1. Teacher versus student tactical battle.


The begining of rivalry: Pep meets his loyal servant. Photo: Premier League. 

Arsenal's head coach, Mikel Arteta has recently worked as Pep Guardiola's loyal servant and assistant coach at Manchester City. There are chances Arteta has analyzed Pep Guardiola's tactics and came up with a solution. These clashes are always unpredictable as we saw Frank Lampard punishing his master, Jose Mourinho earlier this year. 

2. Over two months without football.

Football was suspended due to the Corona virus pandemic almost two months now. The players haven't trained together for a long time now and it's evidently that they've forgot some of their coordinations. 

Arsenal's Mesut Özil escapes from Man City's Kevin de Bruyne in a premier League clash this season. Photo: The Mirror. 


3. Playing without fans.

Playing football without fans is somehow a challenge to the players as there would be no fans to cheer them. Fans play an important part and that's why most teams in Europe fear Anfield. 

Kevin De Bruyne aiming a shot in one of Man City vs Arsenal Premier League encounter. Photo: The Mirror. 

Etihad stadium is one of the best stadiums in England and am pretty sure Arteta would have gotten a very cold welcome to his firmer home. This would be an advantage to Arsenal because they will be more relaxed. 

Tactical Analysis:

A lot of tactical changes would be seen in the matches as both are managers with great philosophies. Pep has spoken in a virtual interview saying that the players will decide the match. Which is true! 

Arsenal's temporary Left-back tactic. 

After Arteta took over Arsenal, he introduced the temporary left-back tactic where Granit Xhaka drops on the Left back position and the LB plays as an inverted midfielder. 

This tactic favours Xhaka due to his long passing range. By shifting him to the left side, it gives him more freedom to launch attacks. 

Predicted Line-ups: 

Man City: Ederson, Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Mendy, Rodri, De Bruyne, Gündogan, Mahrez, Sterling, Aguero.

Arsenal: Leno, Bellerin, Luiz, Mustafi, Tierney, Xhaka, Torreira, Ozil, Saka, Pepe, Aubameyang


Conclusion and Predictions:

Manchester City are clear favourites to win this match although Arsenal can frustrate them. With Man City's squard back in action, Arsenal should expect a tight encounter. My prediction is: Manchester City are going to win this match. 


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