Manchester City will host Arsenal today at the Etihad Stadium looking to bag all 3 points. A shock 1-2 loss to Newcastle United and a win for Tottenham Hotspur against the same opponents yesterday means that the champions find themselves in the 3rd position. So a win seems imperative against an unpredictable Arsenal team who will back themselves to inflict further damage on City’s title defence.
Here we will take a look at 3 key battles which could have a bearing on the outcome of the match.
SERGIO AGUERO VS SHKODRAN MUSTAFI
The Argentine has had somewhat of a stop-start campaign once again but his goal tally of 11 along with 6 assists shows that City can still count on him to deliver the goods and that is exactly what Pep will be hoping he does against the Gunners. Gabriel Jesus has regained some form since the turn of the year but is likely to be rotated with 3 games in 8 days for the hosts.
The Argentine will be up against an injury-ravaged Arsenal defence which will be marshalled by Shkodran Mustafi. The German will know the enormity of the task at hand. He has made 39 tackles till now with a success rate of 69%. He has also cleared the ball 106 times out of which 70 have been headed clearances which implies Aguero is unlikely to get much joy from set-pieces today.
LUCAS TORREIRA VS KEVIN DE BRUYNE
The Belgian has started all of City’s last 4 matches but having got 5 days to recover after the defeat against the Magpies, he is likely to start. An in-form De Bruyne gives City a massive advantage and his playing style means he makes sure a number of opposition players are occupied in tracking his movements and minimising his impact.
But Lucas Torreira is someone who has the capability of disrupting the rhythm in City’s midfield. His work-rate and fearlessness while going into tackles will make sure the likes of De Bruyne and Silva have one eye out for him when in possession of the ball. If Torreira has a good day in the office, he has the ability to dent the Sky Blues’ engine room productivity to a significant extent.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG VS AYMERIC LAPORTE
Second guessing Unai Emery’s tactics before a game has proven futile but he might well employ both Aubameyang and Lacazette in attack to take the attack to City. The Gabon international has 15 goals this season and will be Arsenal’s main threat in attack once again.
Aymeric Laporte looks set to start and along with his defensive partner has to make sure Aubameyang and Lacazette are not afforded any time or space in and around the box. Aubameyang, particularly, can drag the defenders out of position and Pep will have to make sure he briefs the defensive line accordingly with the Gunners possessing multiple attacking options to hurt the home side.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
