The Premier League rings in 2022 on New Year’s Day with a blockbuster clash between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
Victory would see Arsenal stay fourth but open up a seven-point gap over fifth-placed West Ham.
Man City meanwhile can open up a 11 point lead at the Premier League summit with a win due to Chelsea not playing until Sunday.
Team News
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could feature for Arsenal if club bosses choose to lift his suspension following internal disciplinary matters, which is currently being made on a game-by-game basis.
Sead Kolasinac (ankle), Calum Chambers, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares (all Coronavirus) are ruled out.
Man City could welcome Kyle Walker back after he missed their last four matches through illness.
John Stones (knock) is again a doubt but Liam Delap (ankle), Benjamin Mendy (personal) and Rodri remains absent.
Nathan Ake, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling are all pushing for recalls after being rested in midweek.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal have claimed just two points from their last 12 league meetings against Man City (D2, L10).
- Man City are unbeaten in their last five league visits to Arsenal (W4, D1).
- Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have failed to keep clean sheets in their last five league meetings against Man City, in which they conceded 13 goals.
- City’s Raheem Sterling has scored in each of his last three away league appearances against Arsenal (W3).
- Arsenal have conceded just once in their last six home matches in all competitions, during which they have netted 15 goals.
Prediction
Having had the luxury of rest in midweek due to the postponement of their clash against Wolves, Arsenal should come into this game fully refreshed after a ruthless Boxing Day win at Norwich but this match will be a tougher test for the Gunners who won’t dominate.
Man City though saw their rampant goalscoring form halted in midweek despite making just four changes, as Brentford were able to limit them to just the one goal victory with a robust defensive performance which will serve as a tough lesson because this should be another tricky game.
With that and Arsenal’s home form in mind, I would be shocked if there are no goals here because this has the hallmarks of a competitive encounter, yet Arteta’s absence in Arsenal’s dugout should provide City with the tactical edge as the game unfolds.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City
Result: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City