Week eight of the English Premier League begins on Saturday afternoon with a London derby as Luton Town host the free-scoring Tottenham Hotspur. That game will be played before a capacity crowd, with millions more watching the play live on TV thanks to major TV broadcasters and the best live-streaming apps. There’s plenty to keep fans entertained this weekend, but the game that has kept fans guessing comes from the Emirates Stadium, where last season’s runners-up Arsenal host the defending champions Man City.
The Gunners and Cityzens have given fans some memorable games over the years, and the pair locked horns three times last season in the FA Cup and Premier League. Man City enjoyed a clean sweep over the Gunners, claiming three wins en route to winning the Premier League and the FA Cup. The pair also clashed in this season’s Community Shield, which ended 1-1, Arsenal winning 4-1 on penalties. Will this game be repeat or revenge? Keep reading as our team previews the season’s biggest game so far.
Gunners find their range
Last season gave Arsenal fans plenty to cheer with the team from North London dominating the league for much of the campaign. They hit the front early and pulled clear of the chasing pack, looking like champions in waiting for many months. With fans dreaming of seeing Arsenal win the league for the first time since the Arsene Wenger era, there was genuine excitement in the air until Mikel Arteta’s men suffered a late collapse. They finished in second place but can go one better.
Arsenal knows they must pick up where they left off last season with another strong start, but now know the importance of consistency. They must keep winning, taking points off their rivals, and making the Emirates a fortress against. The Londoners started well and went unbeaten in the first two months of the Premier League season. They won four and drew two of their opening six, ending level with a plucky Tottenham side in a recent North London derby. The Gunners are playing confidently and know a home win over the champions will send a statement of intent to their rivals, especially Pep Guardiola’s crew.
City hit the front early
Manchester City was a slow starter last season, playing catch-up on Arsenal for much of the campaign. They didn’t hit the front until well into winter, but once in pole position, there was no looking back from the champions. They beat Arsenal three times, including winning home and away in the Premier League. Those wins played a crucial role in helping Pep’s men clinch a third EPL gong in three seasons, and they’re now ready to create a record four titles.
Bet hereMan City claimed the treble last season, and that confidence ensured the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League winners opened this season in style. They made a winning start to the defence of their prized European trophy and have impressed in the Premier League, hitting the top early. City enjoyed a perfect start, winning their first six league games, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three. If they can win again in London, it’ll help the champions tighten their grip on the league table, allowing them to focus on getting through their Champions League group.
Arsenal v Man City prediction
Arsenal has a home advantage for this crucial game, and it could be a fork in the road for the Londoners. Show the improvement needed from last season to beat Man City, and they’ll blow the title race wide open. The fans will create a special atmosphere, and the players will be pressured to stand up and be noticed. A home win over Man City would show this young Arsenal side is making big strides in the right direction and are genuine contenders.
Man City is under pressure to continue their winning streak and add another victory over Arsenal. There’s still lots of football to be played this season, and the league won’t take proper shape until after the hectic festive period lasting into the new year. But an away win would help City pull clear of the chasing pack while knocking a rival off-course. If Man City is at their best, they are good enough to take three points.
Premier League odds
New and existing 22Bet members can make predictions and place bets on the winner of this game. The pre-match betting odds have Arsenal at 2.875 to claim all three points and send shockwaves through the Premier League. An away win for Man City trades at 2.42, which will be popular with followers of the champions. A draw wouldn’t be the worst result for either team at 3.42.
22Bet members can choose from over 100 specials, including total goals, corners, and more. Choose between both teams to score, handicap, first scorer, half-time/full-time, and more. Study the stats, research the form, and select a bet to help you enjoy the game. Fans may find it useful to learn each of the last three games involving Arsenal and Man City has seen both teams score. Expect more of the same on Sunday?
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