Manchester City vs Arsenal betting preview: odds and predictions
THIS game has looked like a potential title-decider for months and it’s set to live up to its billing. Who will keep things in their own hands?
Manchester City vs Arsenal odds
Here are the latest match odds for Manchester City vs Arsenal.
Manchester City vs Arsenal betting preview
Fans of both these teams have been eyeing this fixture for some time.
It has long looked likely to prove crucial in a title race few had predicted at the start of the season.
The destination of the Championship remains in doubt, although not as much as it did a few weeks ago.
Arsenal’s stuttering form – they’ve drawn their last three – means they are the team who need to win here to keep things in their own hands. Fail to do so and the title officially becomes City’s to lose.
Draw and City will know they will be crowned champions again by winning their final seven games. Win and they’ll only need victory in six of those remaining seven.
Arsenal’s need to win is obvious, although some will feel a draw may be acceptable given City’s packed schedule as they chase the Treble.
They’ve been ruthless in the run-in in the past – who can forget them winning 14 in a row to deny Liverpool in 2018/19? – but doing so amid high-pressure Champions League games and with an FA Cup final looming makes things difficult.
Clearly any team prepared to go for City at the Etihad is taking risks, although it should be remembered Brentford won here earlier in the season. This is not mission impossible.
It is, however, improbable.
Arsenal’s players looked truly demoralised after Friday’s 3-3 draw with Southampton and they are seriously lacking momentum right now.
In contrast, City are flying having won 11 of their last 12, the odd one out being a draw away to Bayern Munich which came when the tie was already won and via a controversial penalty.
While there will be plenty of neutrals wanting Arsenal’s unlikely title bid to be recharged, the reality is it’s hard to see them stopping City’s petro-dollar fuelled rampage towards yet another trophy.
Best betting offers for Manchester City vs Arsenal
Manchester City vs Arsenal key stats
- Manchester City have won 11 of their last 12 matches in all competitions.
- Arsenal come into this game having drawn their last three games – away at Liverpool and West Ham (both 2-2) and at home to Southampton (3-3).
- Manchester City have won 14 of their last 15 games against Arsenal.
- Erling Haaland has scored 32 Premier League goals (and 48 in all competitions). Two more here would see him equal the PL-era record of 34.
- A league-high 69% of Arsenal’s games have seen over 2.5 goals this season. City sit third in that list (67%).
Manchester City vs Arsenal best bets
Jack Grealish anytime assist
Grealish has become a go-to player for Pep Guardiola this season and looks sure to be trusted with a start in this huge clash.
Up against an Arsenal defence which has shipped seven goals in its last three games – all played without William Saliba, who again looks set to be absent – expect the England man to get some joy.
He’s landed this assist bet in six of his last 14 games in all competitions and with Erling Haaland fit and firing again, he has a target in the middle who is deadly in front of goal.
It’s not hard to see City scoring two of three here and if that happens, this bet could easily land.
Granit Xhaka to be carded
Xhaka always been one for a card, although admittedly he’s slowed a little on that front this season having been given licence to get forward more, therefore taking on fewer defensive duties.
However, in this game it will be very much a case of having to defend from the front so expect Xhaka to be in the thick of the action.
The Swiss has a strong record for cards in this fixture, not to mention against other members of the so-called Big Six.
Versus City, he’s been carded in six of 11 Premier League appearances and one of those he avoided a card in saw him go off injured after only eight minutes.
Manchester City to win
It’s not a price for everyone but it’s hard to ignore odds above 1/2 about City winning a Premier League game at the Etihad Stadium.
They’ve won 13 of 15 at the ground so far this season and arrive in both superb form and holding an excellent head-to-head record against their opponents.
As for Arsenal, they looked a broken bunch after Friday’s home draw with lowly Southampton and while they remain very much in the title race, recent form suggests things are slipping from their grasp.
You don’t get this price about City very often and it looks a good opportunity to take such odds.
How to watch Manchester City vs Arsenal
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England.
- Time: Wednesday, April 26, 20:00 BST
- Where to watch: BT Sport 1
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