Manchester City
It appeared as if Manchester City were on the verge of closing the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, but a late winner for the leaders against Manchester United last Sunday changed that. Despite the setback, Manchester City is not panicking about the gap between them and Arsenal. However, Coach Pep Guardiola may be urging his squad to make a statement by defeating Arsenal in the upcoming FA Cup Fourth Round match this weekend.
While the outcome of this match will not necessarily determine the outcome of the Premier League title race, it does offer Manchester City an opportunity to assert themselves before they meet Arsenal again in mid-February. Despite winning the FA Cup in 2019, Manchester City have had three consecutive semi-final exits in the competition. However, they have not lost a home Cup tie since 2015.
Although Manchester City may feel that they were unjustly defeated in the Manchester Derby earlier this month, they have responded by scoring seven goals in Premier League victories against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves. They have also scored at least three goals in each of their four wins at the Etihad Stadium since the World Cup break. However, they were also held to a 1-1 draw by Everton in the past month, which was unexpected.
Phil Foden’s participation is uncertain, and the coach may opt to make a couple of changes to rejuvenate the team. Ederson is often given a break during Cup matches, and players such as Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker, who have not been frequently used in recent league games, may be given the chance to play in this match.
Arsenal
There is a sense of fate surrounding this Arsenal team after scoring a late winner against Manchester United last weekend. However, it’s worth noting that there are still many league games to be played before they can claim the title of English Champions once again. A successful run in the FA Cup may not be a top priority for the club, but coach Mikel Arteta will want his players to prove they are capable of competing with the best teams and winning the top prizes.
Although a gap has been created between Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League, it won’t mean much in the upcoming challenging FA Cup Fourth Round match on Friday. Despite not being competitive in the league, Arsenal has consistently performed well in the FA Cup. However, they were eliminated by Nottingham Forest in the Third Round last season. Prior to the victory at Oxford United in the Third Round this month, Arsenal had consecutive loses in away FA Cup matches at St Mary’s and the City Ground.
Arsenal has extended their unbroken streak to 7 games across all competitions and they have come out victorious in 6 of them, scoring 2 or more goals in each of those wins. It’s not only their home form that has propelled Arsenal to their current position, but they have also won 5 consecutive away games across all competitions, including notable wins at Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur.
There is uncertainty surrounding the availability of Mohamed Elneny, and Gabriel Jesus may not return until the March international break. Similarly to his rival coach, Mikel Arteta is likely to make changes to his line-up following another intense month of Premier League action.
TWV Sports Team Thoughts
Both coaches have a fierce desire to win and will be pushing for a strong performance from their chosen squad and starting lineup, regardless of any potential changes.
Despite being at home, Manchester City should not underestimate the visitors, as Arsenal have been in top form on the road, winning their last 5 away games across all competitions, and demonstrating a clinical edge in front of goal. The absence of Gabriel Jesus for Arsenal may be a concern, but the team has proven capable of creating opportunities and converting them despite his absence.
Manchester City’s home advantage is undeniable, but Arsenal’s recent away form is impressive. The Gunners have won five consecutive games on the road in all competitions and have been consistently scoring goals. Despite Gabriel Jesus’ absence, Arsenal’s attacking play has been strong and players have shown composure in the final third to convert their opportunities. Manchester City, too, have come out of a difficult period and seem to have found their footing again, with a comeback win against Tottenham Hotspur and a comfortable victory over Wolves serving as evidence.
Score Prediction
Manchester City 1 – 2 Arsenal
