26 August 2021, 15:41 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Premier League returns this weekend with one of the most anticipated fixtures, Manchester City vs. Arsenal F.C. scheduled for kick-off at 12:30 (GMT+1) on Saturday, August 28 at the Etihad.
Preview Manchester City Premier League, Aug 28, 2021
Preview Manchester City returns behind the 5-0 win over Premier League newcomers, Norwich City. The Canaries were blown away in what appeared to be a make-up for City's loss against Spurs on the opening day of the season. An own goal from Norwich’s Tim Krul (7’ O.G.) gave City the lead before Jack Grealish (22') picked up his debut goal for the club. Laporte (64’) secured City's third before Raheem Sterling (71’) got the fourth, - ten minutes after coming off the bench. An intelligent run through a wall of Yellow shirts left Riyad Mahrez (84’) in a one-on-one situation with Norwich's goalkeeper for City's fifth and final goal of the game. The victory leaves City in 9th place with 3 points and a G.D. of +4 after two games, 1W, 0D & 1L. A victory over an underperforming Arsenal would see Manchester City climb higher up the table. However, underestimating Arsenal would be a huge mistake. Known as a true master of rotation with the knack for the unpredictable, - and sometimes, the unconventional, we could only guess Pep would go with a 4—3—3 formation. The shape could see Jack Grealish on the left playing alongside Ferran Torres while Gabriel Jesus or Riyad Mahrez could be on the right. In other related news, Harry Kane signaled the end of City's pursuit for the English striker after he announced that he would remain at Spurs this summer. The announcement comes after City failed to agree with Daniel Levy's £160M price tag for the 28-year-old.
Preview Arsenal Premier League, Aug 28, 2021
Preview Languishing at the bottom end of the Premier League table, Arsenal remains without a point after two games, 0W, 0D, 2L. It remains up there as one of the worst starts for the Gunners in the club’s history. After Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, Arsenal will be on the hunt for their first few points of the season on their trip to the Etihad. A debut goal from Chelsea's summer signing, Romelu Lukaku (15'), and another from Reece James (35') condemned Arsenal to their second defeat of the season. Luckily, they return to face City behind a morale-boosting 6-0 win over West Brom in the second round of the EFL Cup. A point against Manchester City could be the starting point for a turn-around in their Premier League form. An attacking 4—2—3—1 formation with Aubameyang playing upfront is expected. On availability, Thomas Partey remains doubtful for this fixture alongside Ben White.