Man City vs Arsenal: Gunners massive underdogs at the Etihad but a goal isn't out of the question
- Seb Sternik
- 27 August 2021
Mikel Arteta is under growing pressure following Arsenal’s woeful start to the season. A loss against Manchester City will leave the club in the bottom three.
When: Saturday, August 28, 12:30pm BST
Where: Etihad Stadium
How to watch: BT Sport 1
Best bets
It's fair to say that most of the talk in this early stage of the season has been about Arsenal.
The Gunners started their campaign with consecutive league defeats to Brentford and Chelsea before winning 6-0 against West Brom in the Carabao Cup.
Manchester City have also been in the news this week as their pursuit of Harry Kane came to an end. Their failure to bring in a striker does leave Guardiola with limited options up front.
That, however, didn't seem to hinder them too much last weekend as they thrashed Norwich City 5-0.
Looking at the odds ahead of Saturday's encounter, it's the Gunners who provide value at 10/1. In fact, the bookmakers have more faith in England winning the 2022 World Cup than in Arsenal managing to take all three points against City.
Instead of looking at the outright market, it's better to try your luck elsewhere. For instance, 22 of the last 23 games between these clubs have featured a first-half goal.
With that in mind, our tip is to back a goal to be scored inside the opening 30 minutes at 4/6.
Last three matches
Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of the game when these two sides last met.
Gabriel Jesus fired City in front as Alexandre Lacazette levelled the game just before the break.
The second half belonged to the visitors as goals from Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte sealed a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Last time this fixture took place at the Etihad, it was City who took all three points.
Last ten head-to-heads
Arsenal's missing players
Those calling for Mikel Arteta's head should perhaps take a look at the attacking options at his disposal in the first two games of the season.
The Gunners had to field 20-year-old Folarin Balogun up front against Brentford as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lazacette pulled out earlier in the day through illness.
Aubameyang marked his return with a hat-trick and an assist but it wasn't just the Gabon international who made the difference. The inclusion of newly signed Martin Odegaard rejuvenate a previously anonymous Arsenal midfield.
The return of quality players seemed to bring out the best in Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe who clearly enjoyed themselves throughout the encounter.
Despite the nature of that win, there are still many question marks, especially as the victory came against a much-changed West Brom side clearly prioritising the Championship. Man City, in contrast, will be a completely different animal.
The Gunners have only scored four goals in their last ten games against Man City. However, with odds of 10/11, this may be the perfect opportunity to take the bookies on.
No Kane, no problem
You'd think the lack of a world-class goalscorer would prove problematic for the Citizens. However, a 5-0 win over Norwich proved this is a side with goals all over the park.
And that gaping hole up front could be more than amply filled if Cristiano Ronaldo's proposed move to the Etihad is confirmed.
But before any move is signed, sealed and delivered, the Citizens will be intent on maintain their incredible run against the Gunners.
Despite Arsenal's struggles of late, this could be a lot closer than most think. What's more, the winning margin of one goal is also well priced at 21/10 with Planet Sport Bet.
Goalscorer bets
At 6/5, he certainly offers decent value in the anytime goalscorer market.
His hat-trick against West Brom finally gave fans something to get excited about. What's more, at 10/3 the Gabon star offers great value in the betting.
