The last six Premier League meetings between Manchester City and Arsenal have produced 24 goals. Hence, the only thing one can be absolutely sure about is that it won’t be a goalless draw. Here are 4 players, who are likely to keep fans on the edge during the big fixture on Sunday.
Alexis Sanchez- The Chilean has been Arsenal’s best player by far this season and the boss expects him to continue his prolific form in a must-win match against City. Sanchez goes to the game as the second top scorer in the league knowing well that a good performance here might take him above Diego Costa.
Sanchez has had a hand in 27 goals in his last 27 Premier League games for Arsenal. He has 41 goals in 81 PL appearances for Arsenal and is fast drawing comparisons with Thierry Henry. Given City’s leaking defence, Sanchez could produce a hammering blow at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Kevin De Bruyne- The only player guaranteed to play well is De Bruyne. We don’t remember the Belgian going out of touch or having a bad patch since last season. He is Manchester City’s creative force that keeps them going in the attacking third and Arsenal can ill-afford to give him space.
With almost all City’s big match players out of the fixture (Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan and Vincent Kompany), Guardiola will highly rely on De Bruyne to make the difference. He has scored 2 goals and created 8 assists for his team so far in 13 appearances. He is probably the only player who is allowed the freedom to play out of position at will under Guardiola’s strict regime.
Yaya Toure- With Gundogan out for the season, Guardiola will surely have to reconsider his decision about disposing of the ageing midfielder next month. He could well provide the drive in midfield against Arsenal. The former Ivory Coast international has had some great games and will want to turn back the clock again. City fans will be desperately hoping their midfield marshall delivers against Arsenal.
Olivier Giroud- Now, he might not be even in the first team if gone by Wenger’s preferred line-up but he has scored four in his last four successive games against City in all competitions. He is now the most prolific substitute in the club’s Premier League history as per Daily Mail, scoring 10 times after coming off the bench. Something says he might just help Arsenal snatch it again against City.
