Prediction & odds for the game: Manchester City (2/5) v Arsenal (11/2)

When: Saturday, 17th October @ 5.30pm K.O

Where: Etihad Stadium

Manchester City will try to get their title push back on track when they meet Arsenal this weekend as the Premier League returns.

Manchester City

It’s been another uncertain start to the Premier League campaign for Manchester City with many wondering whether or not the wheels are beginning to fall off at the Etihad. They’ve had sustained success across the last decade or so but with Pep Guardiola struggling to maintain their consistency in all competitions, there’s a real threat that they could be on the decline. Still, if they’re going to go down, you can bet they’ll go down swinging.

Being knocked out of last season’s Champion League by Lyon will still sting for City fans, but thankfully for them, they were able to bounce back in style when the Premier League resumed courtesy of a 3-1 win over Wolves. They went on to edge past Bournemouth and Burnley in the Carabao Cup, but in the league, they once again faltered in a big way due to a resounding 5-2 defeat against Leicester before a disappointing draw with Leeds.

Arsenal

On the flip side we’ve got Arsenal who are starting to emerge as one of the most intriguing clubs in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta has given fans renewed optimism and that’s not something they’ve possessed for a long time, dating all the way back to when Arsene Wenger was actually a capable manager. The top four is going to be their primary objective this season and right now they look like one of the leading contenders to claim one of those spots.

A Willian masterclass handed the Gunners all three points on the opening day against Fulham and from there they weren’t afraid to push on with a nervy win over West Ham and a 2-0 success against Leicester in the Carabao Cup. They struggled against Liverpool in a 3-1 Anfield defeat but did get their revenge in the cup on penalties, and prior to the international break, they showed the heart of champions to see off the challenge of Sheffield United.

Conclusion

Arsenal can mix it up with the best of them in the Premier League these days but as we’ve come to learn from their game against Liverpool, they don’t quite have what it takes to overcome the truly elite sides in English football. The Gunners will battle hard and they may even take the lead but once City are able to get into a real rhythm, there’s only one way this game should go. It’ll be entertaining, but at the end of the evening, Pep will be the one having his hand raised.

We’re expecting some fireworks throughout this clash which is why we’re backing the over 2.5 goals market.

Verdict: Back the home at odds of 2/5 and the over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 2/5 (All odds are taken from bet365).

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