Manchester City host Arsenal on Wednesday in the Premier League following their defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday, and will hope to bounce back with a win.
Pep Guardiola’s men endured their seventh loss of the season at Old Trafford, and that’s the most defeats the Sky Blues have suffered in the league since the Catalan’s arrival.
Arsenal, on the other hand, narrowly defeated West Ham United at home in their previous league game, and are now undefeated in 8 Premier League outings.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta will go up against Pep Guardiola, and returns to Etihad for the first time since leaving his role as assistant manager.
The Spaniard will look to use his inside knowledge of the City squad to get Arsenal’s 10th win of the season.
Where could the game between the two sides be won on Wednesday? Let’s take a look at 3 key battles between Manchester City and Arsenal.
Manchester City vs Arsenal -3 Key Battles That Could Decide The Outcome
#1 Kevin de Bruyne vs Granit Xhaka
Kevin de Bruyne, Manchester City’s most important player this season, was sorely missed by the team in the loss against Manchester United. He was ruled out due to a shoulder injury, but he should return for the game against Arsenal.
The midfielder will want to dominate and dictate the tempo of the match, and add to his tally of 16 assists on Wednesday.
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka will be tasked with the duty of stopping the Belgian from getting on the ball and putting in crosses and passes into the box. Xhaka’s pressing and aggressive style of play could work in Arsenal’s efforts to stop de Bruyne.
#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Kyle Walker/Joao Cancelo
Arsenal’s talisman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, will be their most important player in an attacking sense, having racked up 17 goals so far in the league. The Gunners captain, who has been very effective from the left side of attack, will be a threat on the counter as well.
But, he will be up against Kyle Walker or Joao Cancelo, who offer a lot going forward for City, and will most likely play in the Gunners half for the majority of the half, especially at the Etihad.
#3 Riyad Mahrez vs Bukayo Saka
Riyad Mahrez was surprisingly not picked for the game against Manchester United, and when he was brought on, he created a few chances and troubled United’s young left wing-back, Brandon Williams.
Mahrez will certainly start against Arsenal from the right side, and will go up against another young full-back in 18-year-old Bukayo Saka.
Saka has been a revelation for the Gunners in this season, especially in attack. But, he will have to be at his best defensively as City may target the young full-back’s defensive frailties.