The Citizens versus The Gunners

Back to domestic matters as City's pivotal run of 6 games in 18 days gathers momentum. A resurgent Arsenal are about to enter the doors of Fortress Etihad...

Roberto Mancini:
'Arsenal can compete for the title this season. They are better than last season, even if they lost some good players. Maybe, because of that, there is less pressure on them this season...the players they have brought in have experience and quality.'

Arsene Wenger:
'I expect City to be focused and play well, but it was a disappointment for them in Madrid of course. It always takes a little bit away from you...but on our side, let's not have any speculation of the weakness or strength of them, let's focus on us to be at our best. If we are at our best I think we have a great chance to get a good result there.'

OUT:
Samir Nasri (Hamstring) 1 week
Micah Richards (Ankle - Back In Training)

Kun's season starts here. Mancio never rushes a player back from injury until fully fit and has ensured the frustrated hotshot remains rested following his opening day knee knack against Southampton. Having avoided what looked to be a serious injury, expect to see the young Argentine striker playing like a man on a mission.

OUT:
Wojciech Szczesny (Ankle)
Jack Wilshere (Back In Training)
Emmanuel Frimpong (Back In Training)

Gervinho's been something of a frustration to Gooners in his early Arsenal career. Wrong options in strong positions and blind alleys have been the order of the day for the 25 year old Ivorian. But he`s been at the hub of much that has been good for The Arsenal so far this season. Must be contained if The Blues are to record a first clean sheet of the season.

THE FACTS:
The Blues have not lost in the league since being written off at The Emirates in April.

4 players have been sent off in the last 4 league clashes between the sides. 3 have been Blues.

The Citizens are unbeaten in 31 Premier League games at The Etihad Stadium.

The Arsenal are unbeaten in 9 league and cup games.

City have conceded 13 goals in the last 7 senior outings.

Head To Head
League: 44 City, 39 Draws, 85 Arsenal
League Cup: 2 City, 1 Draw, 5 Arsenal
FA Cup: 1 City, 2 Arsenal
Other Cup: 1 Arsenal
Total: 47 City, 40 Draws, 93 Arsenal

Last Time Around:
Tu 29Nov 2011 Arsenal 0 - 1 Man City LC
Su 18Dec 2011 Man City 1 - 0 Arsenal PL
Su 08Apr 2012 Arsenal 1 - 0 Man City PL

Betting: City 3/4 Draw 13/5 Arsenal 15/4

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 1 HD

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Mike Dean, Wirral - Last Season: Mo 15Aug 2011 Man City 4 - 0 Swansea, We 21Dec 2011 Man City 3 - 0 Stoke, Sa 04Feb 2012 Man City 3 - 0 Fulham, We 21Mar 2012 Man City 2 - 1 Chelsea, Su 13May 2012 Man City 3 - 2 QPR; Cards 2011/12: 43 Games, 146 Yellows, 5 Reds Cards 2012/2013: 5 Games, 11 Yellows.

Johnny On The Spot: In form Arsenal had it all their own way against Southampton last week who had been threatening to ship a few goals. That certainly won't be the case this weekend. By the same token, City have been suggesting they are going to paste someone sooner or later. A mouthwatering game lies in wait. The Blues squad has returned home bitterly disappointed to have lost 'The Battle of the Bernabeu.' - Absolutely smarting according to the word around Carrington. Mancio will ring the changes and exploit the strength in depth of his squad. We can then expect to see The Blues fly at Arsenal from the off. Nevermind a clean sheet, City crave an early goal. The infamous ground attack will be the preferred option with the big men coming into the game if a Plan B is required. Arsenal's tails will be understandably up following fine wins at Liverpool and Montpellier and the return to pressure free sizzling attacking play, but I fully expect The Champions to prevail in what could yet prove to be something of a backlash at Fortress Etihad. City 2 Arsenal 0

all times East Manchester
Tu 25 Sep 19h45 Aston Villa, The Etihad, LC3
Sa 29 Sep 15h00 Fulham, Craven Cottage, PL
We 03 Oct 19h45 Borussia Dortmund, The Etihad, PL
Sa 06 Oct 12h45 Sunderland, The Etihad, PL
Sa 20 Oct 15h00 West Brom, The Hawthorns, PL
We 24 Oct 19h45 Ajax, Amsterdam Arena, CL
Sa 27 Oct 17h30 Swansea City, The Etihad, PL

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