ARSENAL bust a few coupons when they beat Manchester City in last year's FA Cup semi-final but it would be an even bigger shock if they dumped Pep Guardiola's men out of the League Cup.
Ahead of that Wembley clash, the Gunners were picking up a bit of momentum that would eventually sweep them to FA Cup glory but they have gone into an alarming tailspin in the new campaign.
And boss Mikel Arteta is coming under serious pressure with his side in the midst of a seven-game run without a domestic win, the latest setback coming in a 2-1 weekend loss at Everton.
I fancied the Toffees to pile on the agony and it's hard to see the Gunners rallying to defeat a City side who are starting to pick up a bit of form.
It's eight games without defeat now for Guardiola's side who are still not firing on all cylinders up front but have steadied the ship at the back.
They have conceded just one goal in their last eight matches while Arsenal have only scored four in their last seven domestic outings.
How the bookies view it
It's no surprise to see Arsenal as rank outsiders at a best 9/2 with Betfred to win in 90 minutes and 5/2 at Paddy Power to qualify. Manchester City are just 4/11 at Skybet to reach the semis and 7/11 with SBK to get the job done without extra-time. The draw at 90 minutes pays 62/17 with SportNation.
Recent head to head
Arsenal were deserved winners in that FA Cup semi (below) but their record against City is abysmal, losing eight of the last nine meetings. When these sides met at the Etihad earlier this season, it ended 1-0 to Guardiola's men.
Team news
Star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be missing for the Gunners again due to a calf injury. But Gabriel Martinelli made his comeback off the bench at Goodison and defender Gabriel returns from suspension.
City are sweating on Gabriel Jesus and Aymeric Laporte after both sat out their win at Southampton while Guardiola has to weigh up if Sergio Aguero (below) should be risked.
Players to watch
Alexandre Lacazette could start for Arsenal after coming off the bench at the weekend and is 5/2 with 888Sport to grab his fifth goal of the season.
Raheem Sterling has two goals from his last five games and netted the winner when these sides met earlier this season. He's 8/5 with 888Sport for a goal here.
Anything else catch the eye?
Manchester City have been winning at half-time and full-time in eight of their last nine games with Arsenal. I can easily see a repeat here and that pays 11/8 at McBookie.
Betting against both teams to score is also a decent shout at 13/10 with 888Sport as that has trapped in the last four meetings.
There have been three or more cards in three of the last four meetings and Arsenal will need to dig deep for this one. Kieran Tierney is one of the few Gunners showing any fight and is 9/2 with Bet365 for a card. That appeals as he was booked in the weekend loss.
This EFL Cup match between Arsenal and Manchester City will be played on Dec 22, 2020 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
