JANUARY 5TH 2011 AT 8PM
ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns, so manager Arsene Wenger must decide whether to name the side that won at Birmingham or risk rotating his squad.
The game will come too soon for Kieran Gibbs, who is nearing a return from injury, while Manuel Almunia, Abou Diaby and Thomas Vermaelen remain out.
Arsenal
Injured: Almunia & Gibbs (both ankle), Diaby (calf), Frimpong (knee), Vermaelen (Achilles)
Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns, so manager Arsene Wenger must decide whether to name the side that won at Birmingham or risk rotating his squad.
The game will come too soon for Kieran Gibbs, who is nearing a return from injury, while Manuel Almunia, Abou Diaby and Thomas Vermaelen remain out.
Arsenal
Injured: Almunia & Gibbs (both ankle), Diaby (calf), Frimpong (knee), Vermaelen (Achilles)
MANCHESTER CITY TEAM NEWS
Manchester City are without winger David Silva, who hurt his knee in Saturday's win against Blackpool Striker Mario Balotelli alo has knee injury
Manchester City
Injured: Balotelli & Silva (both knee)
MATCH PREVIEW
Roberto Mancini stubbornly insists on talking down his side's title credentials, insisting they are only fifth favourites, but even he may have to revise his opinion if Manchester City win at the Emirates. City have not won on Gunners soil since the 1975/76 season, the last campaign in which they lifted a major trophy (the League Cup).
Chelsea's stumbles mean that, on current form at least, City and Arsenal look the biggest threat to leaders Manchester United.
Mancini has tried to downplay expectations by highlighting his side's lack of experience. However, the likely arrival of highly-rated Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko will fire the imagination of fans desperate to end their 35-year wait for silverware.
In contrast to Mancini, Arsene Wenger has championed his side's Premier League prospects. No doubt mindful of the Gunners' own trophy drought, which stretches back to 2005, Wenger has praised his team's belief and bravery on the ball.
However, Wenger's side have looked vulnerable at home this term and will have to be wary against a City team who have often looked more potent on their travels
Manchester City are without winger David Silva, who hurt his knee in Saturday's win against Blackpool Striker Mario Balotelli alo has knee injury
Manchester City
Injured: Balotelli & Silva (both knee)
MATCH PREVIEW
Roberto Mancini stubbornly insists on talking down his side's title credentials, insisting they are only fifth favourites, but even he may have to revise his opinion if Manchester City win at the Emirates. City have not won on Gunners soil since the 1975/76 season, the last campaign in which they lifted a major trophy (the League Cup).
Chelsea's stumbles mean that, on current form at least, City and Arsenal look the biggest threat to leaders Manchester United.
Mancini has tried to downplay expectations by highlighting his side's lack of experience. However, the likely arrival of highly-rated Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko will fire the imagination of fans desperate to end their 35-year wait for silverware.
In contrast to Mancini, Arsene Wenger has championed his side's Premier League prospects. No doubt mindful of the Gunners' own trophy drought, which stretches back to 2005, Wenger has praised his team's belief and bravery on the ball.
However, Wenger's side have looked vulnerable at home this term and will have to be wary against a City team who have often looked more potent on their travels
PREDICTIONS?
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