Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
Andy Pakes previews this Sunday afternoon clash in the first edition of Game of the Week for 2012
Dave Hughes tells us about his sporting hero, Wes Morgan
Our latest Game of the Week preview features the important clash between Manchester City and Arsenal. Following City’s loss to Chelsea on Monday night, the top of the table is suddenly back in play. A result for Arsenal could see Manchester United retake 1st position in the Premier League, something that just three weeks ago looked extremely unlikely
Form
City, despite their dominant start of the season, are now suffering what, by their standards, can only be described as a slump. A 5-1 win against Norwich two weeks ago was overshadowed by a disappointing group stage exit in the Champions League and their first league defeat of the season last Monday night away to Chelsea has seen their lead at the top cut to just two points. A result against Arsenal would maintain their position at the top. Another loss would blow the title race wide open.
A shocking start to the season for the Gunners saw the take just four points from the first five games, including a humiliating 8-2 defeat away to Manchester United. Arsene Wenger’s side have recovered strongly however, winning nine of their other eleven games and are unbeaten in the league since the beginning of October. A win against City would take them into the top four for the first time this season. A loss could see them fall back alongside the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle and the realms of mid-table.
Team News
Man City have Aleksander Kolarov injured and Gael Clichy suspended following his sending off at Stamford Bridge so Pablo Zabaleta could move across and deputise at left-back. Micah Richards is fit again following a calf injury that has kept him out for two weeks and should return at right-back.
Arsenal still have full-back problems, with Sagna, Jenkinson, Gibbs and Santos all still out. Thomas Vermaelen could again play left-back with Koscielny and Mertesacker in the centre of defence. Long-term absentee Jack Wilshere is due back in early February.
Player Watch
Man City – Joe Hart
Despite City’s dominance in front of goal, there have been questions asked about their apparent defensive fragility. They have kept clean sheets in only four of their fifteen league games this season, and but for their talented young goalkeeper, they would certainly have conceded more. City will need Hart to be at his best against a side that put five goals past the only side to beat city this season.
Arsenal - Robin van Persie
It does not take a genius to work out that van Persie is the Gunners’ main goal threat. With 15 goals for the season and 40 for the year, the Dutchman is in the form of his life. With Gervinho and Arteta second in Arsenal’s goal-scoring charts with only 3 each, Arsenal have come to rely on their frontman. If van Persie is on form, City’s defence could be in real trouble. If he is off his game, it is difficult to see where Arsenal’s goals will come from.
Key Stat
Only 19th place Blackburn Rovers have a worse defensive record away from home than Arsenal, mostly due to the Gunners’ 8-2 defeat to Manchester United at the beginning of August. Yet they also have an excellent goal-scoring record on the road, only City stronger in front of goal away from home.
Predictions
Following on from my correct call two weeks ago, I seem to be back on predicting form, with another correct call that City would go down to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Well done to Sports Editor James Tompkinson for a correct result and correct score-line, some much-needed points awarded there. Special mention to Stephen Puddicombe for his first correct call of the season and bonus points for a correct score-line but ‘special’ bonus points to Craig Dobson for getting the correct score-line on his first prediction for this feature.
This week, I think anything could happen. City remain the most dominant force in the league and could put a few past Arsenal but nobody predicting the crushing defeat that Arsenal inflicted on Chelsea earlier in the season; their last game against ‘top-four’ opposition. I think probably the safest thing to do is to predict a scoring draw, so I will go for 2-2
James Tompkinson says… 2-1 Man City
Aimee Howarth says… 2-1 Man City
Craig Dobson says… 3-0 Man City
Sam Holloway says… 2-2
Paul Shercliff says… 3-1
Should be an interesting game - there have been some surprise results for both teams this season and some heavy losses at the top of the table so anything could happen!
You must log in to submit a comment.
Report