Preview – City ‘v’ Arsenal

By: Darius Vassell is my Hero | November 22nd, 2008

Hi everyone, this is my first blog on here so any feedback and comments would be much appreciated.

Anyway, in this blog, I’m going to concentrate on the visit of Arsenal to the City of Manchester Staium. With two, attacking teams on show, this match should be an exciting and action packed affair. Both sides come into this game on the back of an indifferent run of results, with City having not won in the last 4 Premier League games, picking up only 1 point from a possible 12 in that period of time, and the Gunners’ last two matches resulting in a 2-1 defeat of Man Utd (well done lads!!) and a disappointing 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. They will be looking to bounce back against City and pick up all three points.

City’s chances of winning the game are boosted by the midweek, unforeseen, and rather bizarre outburst by Arsenal captain, at the time, William Gallas. “We are not brave enough in battle. I think we need to be soldiers. To be champions, you have to play big matches every weekend and fight,” said Gallas. This attack on his fellow teammates can either work in Arsenal’s favour and spur them on against the Blues, or it could work against them, and into City’s favour. Gallas has been left out of the squad to face City and has been stripped of the captaincy, and along with the suspension to Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, and the injury to reliable defender Kolo Touré, further boosts City chances in this crucial contest.

City will be without goalkeeper Joe Hart after he damaged his ankle in the previous match against Hull. Kaspar, son of Peter, Schmeichel will make a rare start in his place. Richard Dunne returns aftyer suspension, taking the place of Israeli international Tal Ben-Haim, and young striker Danny Sturridge is back in the squad after injury.

Key Battles: City ‘v’ Arsenal

Pablo Zabaleta ‘v’ Samir Nasri

Zabaleta, in my opnion, has been a revelation since joining the Blues in the summer. Quick to get forward and strong in the tackle, he has easily adapted to life in the Premier League. French, creative midfielder Nasri scored twice against United and will need to be watched closely.

Shaun Wright-Phillips ‘v’ Gael Clichy

Both players rely on pace and trickery and this will be one battle sure to get fans on the edge of their seats. SWP will have to defend as well as he does attack to limit the effectiveness of Clcihy. I feel this will be one contest that will help to decide the final outcome.

Stephen Ireland ‘v’ Denilson

Irish midfielder Ireland has been in scintilating form this season and has easily outshone Robinho. Much improved and now with an eye for goal, he is one of the first names on Mark Hughes’s teamsheet. Denilson has started more games this season than last, but will have an even bigger role to play today in the absence of Fabregas.

Verdict: City 2-2 Arsenal

An exciting and action-packed match with goals and incidents galore.