Last week's Big Match saw Manchester City succumb 2-1 to city rivals United and they are back in action today against Arsenal. The Gunners recorded a much needed 3-1 victory against West Ham on Monday and they will be hoping to build on that win.
After Liverpool's win over Watford, Manchester City now find themselves 17 points behind in 3rd place. A win will keep them in the same position but their downfall has been their defensive issues and they have worsened. John Stones went off against United and Aymeric Laporte is still out until next year. Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho will have to be paired at the back and that should be a worry for City fans. Guardiola wants to strengthen in defence in January - something he should've done in the summer - and Nathan Ake has been identified as the main target. The two that will be picked today can be got at by Arsenal's attack but for the home side, their defence also represents a problem.
The problem under Arsene Wenger was the defence. Offensively, Arsenal were sound but that lacked any presence when defending. Emery came in and the problem was not solved, perhaps made worse. David Luiz was originally a defensive midfielder and the coach that transitioned him into a central defender said he lacks the awareness to play in a two, so why do managers insist on doing that? Arsenal may be without both first choice full backs as Kieran Tierney is out for months and Hector Bellerin is a doubt. This game will ultimately come down to who attacks at a weak defender better than the other.
The managers are facing opposite tasks. Questions have been asked of Pep Guardiola recently (and rightfully so) and the rumours about him leaving have increased. His contract runs out next year and this is one of the worst spells of his managerial career - all self-inflicted - so we may be saying goodbye to Guardiola very soon. For Freddie Ljungberg, he has the opportunity to stake a claim to become the permanent Arsenal manager. The board are in no hurry to appoint a new man so if Ljunberg can get the team performing, then he has a very good chance of being chosen. Arsenal only played well for 10 minutes against West Ham but that period was very good to watch. A win over Manchester City would put Ljungberg's name very high on the managerial shortlist.
As previously stated, this match will come down to who is more effective in attack. Manchester City have a superior attack to Arsenal but the way in which they press has been off the mark for weeks now. They are not as intense in and out of possession as last year. Arsenal have home advantage and will have to use the counter attack to get at City, and City's problems have been caused by teams soaking up pressure and then breaking at pace.
My prediction is Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City.
After Liverpool's win over Watford, Manchester City now find themselves 17 points behind in 3rd place. A win will keep them in the same position but their downfall has been their defensive issues and they have worsened. John Stones went off against United and Aymeric Laporte is still out until next year. Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho will have to be paired at the back and that should be a worry for City fans. Guardiola wants to strengthen in defence in January - something he should've done in the summer - and Nathan Ake has been identified as the main target. The two that will be picked today can be got at by Arsenal's attack but for the home side, their defence also represents a problem.
The problem under Arsene Wenger was the defence. Offensively, Arsenal were sound but that lacked any presence when defending. Emery came in and the problem was not solved, perhaps made worse. David Luiz was originally a defensive midfielder and the coach that transitioned him into a central defender said he lacks the awareness to play in a two, so why do managers insist on doing that? Arsenal may be without both first choice full backs as Kieran Tierney is out for months and Hector Bellerin is a doubt. This game will ultimately come down to who attacks at a weak defender better than the other.
The managers are facing opposite tasks. Questions have been asked of Pep Guardiola recently (and rightfully so) and the rumours about him leaving have increased. His contract runs out next year and this is one of the worst spells of his managerial career - all self-inflicted - so we may be saying goodbye to Guardiola very soon. For Freddie Ljungberg, he has the opportunity to stake a claim to become the permanent Arsenal manager. The board are in no hurry to appoint a new man so if Ljunberg can get the team performing, then he has a very good chance of being chosen. Arsenal only played well for 10 minutes against West Ham but that period was very good to watch. A win over Manchester City would put Ljungberg's name very high on the managerial shortlist.
As previously stated, this match will come down to who is more effective in attack. Manchester City have a superior attack to Arsenal but the way in which they press has been off the mark for weeks now. They are not as intense in and out of possession as last year. Arsenal have home advantage and will have to use the counter attack to get at City, and City's problems have been caused by teams soaking up pressure and then breaking at pace.
My prediction is Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City.
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