he match that English football fans have eagerly awaited all season is finally here: reigning champions Manchester City take on current leaders Arsenal in a highly anticipated league clash.
Unfortunately for Arsenal supporters, one team seems to be hitting their stride while the other appears to be faltering.
Manchester City has steadily closed the gap on Arsenal’s once seemingly insurmountable lead, and now trails by only five points, ensuring that the visitors will remain at the summit regardless of Wednesday’s outcome. However, Pep Guardiola’s squad has two games in hand and a seemingly easier run of fixtures, including matches against Fulham, West Ham, Leeds, and Everton. Arsenal still has an away game at Newcastle United.
What’s more concerning is the performance of both teams as they enter the crucial stage of the season. While City’s dominant FA Cup semi-final victory over Sheffield United marked their 11th win in 12 games, with a draw at Bayern Munich being their only setback, Arsenal has shown signs of carelessness.
Although they managed to salvage a point with two late goals on Friday night, conceding a 3-1 lead to Southampton at home is inexcusable for a team vying for the title. This marked their third consecutive draw, during which they twice squandered two-goal leads.
Regarding the odds, any hopes of Manchester City being close to evens have disappeared with their recent form. The best odds currently available are 4/7 with Coral, which could still decrease. Arsenal’s odds stand at 19/4 with bet365, while the draw is also priced at 19/4 with 888sport.
