AT last, the eagerly-anticipated clash between the Premier League's top two is here and the Emirates will be no place for the faint-hearted when leaders Arsenal host champions Manchester City who will overtake them with a win.
For so long, the Gunners appeared to be imperious in their attempt to land their first title since 2003 as Mikel Arteta's side overcome opponents and shut up the cynics in a brilliant run – in a 13-game streak from September to their last gasp win over Manchester United last month, only twice did they drop points with draws.
However, there's no escaping the fact that they are being hunted down by a City side who appear to have used the Premier League findings against them as fuel for their title charge.
Arsenal lost at Everton, which was a disaster and were held by Brentford at home at the weekend in an alarming display where they were wide open at the back.
It might not be the wheels falling off and may only be a blip, but they daren't lose against City, who swept aside Aston Villa on Sunday.
But that came at a potentially huge cost with Erling Haaland limping off at half time and he is rated a ‘doubt' for Wednesday. How seriously punters should take that, we will know around an hour before kick off.
How the bookies view it
The layers are very much siding with the champions even with the leader's home advantage. Manchester City are a best priced 11/8 with Paddy Power, Coral and 888Sport.
Arsenal are as big as 19/10 with bet365. The draw is 5/2 with UniBet.
Recent head to heads
The sides clashed last month in the FA Cup at the Etihad and City edged out the Gunners 1-0, although both sides were not at full strength.
This is their first league meeting of the season and City have now won the last six meetings between the clubs. Arsenal haven't beaten City in a league game at the Emirates since 2015.
Players to watch
Eddie Nketiah is on a three-game scoring drought having previously been in great form. He is 16/5 with William Hill to net.
Assuming Haaland wins his fitness battle, he is the obvious shout to score for the visitors with his top goalscorer award already surely in the bag in his opening season in English football. It's unusual for him to be odds-against to score these days, but he is 13/10 with UniBet to net.
Anything else catch the eye?
Arsenal should look to great rivals Spurs for the perfect approach to how to play City. Neutralise Erling Haaland by ensuring he gets no service was exactly what Tottenham did in London the other week and it worked to perfection.
The critics have lapped up Arsena's slight dip in form, but they are a class act this season and can get the better of a City side who have faltered on too many occasions this season and lay down a massive marker by winning at generous odds.
Arsenal have put Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United to the sword at the Emirates while City have lost on their travels to Spurs, United and Liverpool. If Arteta can isolate Haaland, they have the attacking tools to win this.
Both managers here respect each other and it might not be the blood and thunder affair these occasions are often perceived as. There were only three bookings when the sides met in the FA Cup and with Anthony Taylor in charge – who also only handed out three yellow cards for Arsenal's recent win over Manchester United – go for under 4.5 cards with bet365.
This English Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City will be played on Feb 15, 2023 and kick off at 19:30. 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.
