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Match of the weekend in the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester City squaring off at Emirates in the first match of the round on Saturday. The two teams already met this season in the Community Shield with Arsenal winning 3-0, but City rested a couple of important players in that match.
Arsenal did not quite have a brilliant start of the season, which was what fans expected after the signings of Sanchez, Chambers and Debuchy. The Gunners have been a little shaky, struggled to win matches and have 2 draws in the last 2 Premier League matches (Everton, Leicester, both away), while barely edging Besiktas in the Champions League qualies. However, Arsenal is undefeated, so that will give them confidence coming into this match with City.
After the 0-3 loss in the Community Shield Manchester City went on to win convincingly against Newcastle and Liverpool, but suffered a shock 0-1 home defeat to Stoke last round. I would not say that City is playing to well right now – they were blown out in the Community Shield, lost to Stoke and the Liverpool win was really undeserved in my opinion, they were just very effective, while Liverpool missed a lot of chances.
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Team news & lineups
Arsenal is actually pretty healthy considering their injury record: Gnabry, Giroud and Walcott are out, Ozil and Ramsey are questionable. Ramsey will probably not start and that will be a big loss, but Wellbeck is set to make his debut from the first minute after netting twice against Switzerland midweek. City has Zabaleta doubtful, while Fernando and Jovetic are out. Jovetic missing will be a big handicap for City, as he was the man in form for them.
Arsenal: Szczesny – Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs – Arteta, Wilshere – Sánchez, Özil, Cazorla – Welbeck
Manchester City: Hart – Sagna, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov – Fernandinho, Touré – Nasri, Silva, Agüero – Dzeko.
I don`t think City deserves to be favored by the odds to the extent that Arsenal has a price of 3.00. The Community Shield result might not be too relevant but still the 3-0 win for Arsenal does tell us something, and last season the Gunners held City to a 1-1 draw at home (and could/should have won), despite Arsenal being in a horror run of form. The hosts are yet to lose this season and considering City is not impressive, I can see Arsenal getting at least a draw, but they are the slight favorites to win in my opinion. My tip is Arsenal to win with a +0 asian handicap (draw no bet). Prediction: Arsenal – Manchester City 2-1.
Pick: Arsenal (+0 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 2.25 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 10
Event date: 13 September
