On Saturday, 18 December, we are expecting a superbattle of the English football grandees – Manchester City versus Arsenal. Both teams score a lot. Man City have scored 34 goals in 16 matches, and Arsenal even more – 37 goals. As we can see, most of the teams’ matches end effectively. And it’s no surprise with such managers and players.
Manchester City have scored in each one of the 12 home matches (in all competitions), and against such teams, as Barcelona (three goals), Chelsea, West Ham and Southampton. The Citizens always play offensively at Etihad Stadium, and as a result, they score regularly. Arsenal keeper Cech have been conceding seven matches in a row, and Arsenal itself concede in 8 out of 9 matches against teams, higher than 13 place. Obviously, we have the right to expect 1 or 2 goals.
Arsenal do not fail much in away games, having scored in 11 out of 12 away matches of the season, having lost only to Leicester back in August. The Gunners are in a great shape right now, so they can easily punish City’s unreliable defense (only three out of sixteen EPL matches ended for Manchester City without any goals missed, and the games were against WBA, Watford, Bournemouth, which are not the strongest opponents). Pep’s men have conceded 10 goals in total from Chelsea, Man Utd and Leicester.
Within the last 6 head-to-head encounters, 24 goals were scored – it’s 4 goals per match on average. Over 2.5 goals were scored in 4 out of 5 Manchester City and Arsenal encounters.
Generally, both teams are fighting for the league title, motivation is extreme. We should expect an open and entertaining match with numerous dangerous moments, as in previous encounters of the Gunners and the Citizens.
Prediction for the match: over 2.5 goals in the match.
