Can Arsenal extend City's away misery to 27 games?
Arsenal could effectively end any hopes that Man City have of lifting the title if they beat them at the Emirates this weekend, and at 2.6 with Boylesports they look decent value to do so.
The Gunners had been in terrific form prior to their 2-1 defeat at QPR last time out, and the stats suggest that there is every chance that they can get back on the winning trail.
City have failed failed to score in three of their last four Premier League games against Arsenal and each of their last four visits to the Emirates However, Arsenal have been more defensively inept than usual this season, with Premier league efficiency statistics showing that the 2012 Arsenal team has one of the worst shots faced / goals conceded ratios in the last three years.
City haven’t won any of their last 26 away league games against the Gunners (W0 D8 L18), and come into the game on the back of disappointing draws against Stoke and Sunderland.
Roberto Mancini’s men seem to be running out of gas at the wrong time, whereas Arsenal had been gathering a head of steam before their 2-1 defeat at QPR.
Arsene Wenger’s men have won 11 and lost one of their last 14 PL games on their own patch and that makes them look a big price considering City’s current form.
One player who will be hoping to find the back of the net is Robin van Persie, as City are one of only three teams in the top flight that he has not scored against this season.
If he does manage to bag one in this then he will become only the fourth player to score against 17 different teams in a Premier League season (after Cole 1993/94, Shearer 1994/95 and Wright 1996/97).
The Dutchman will surely have that record in his sights, and has to be worth a punt at the 5 on offer with Boylesports and Paddy Power to score first.
He is also a 2.2 chance with Boylesports to score anytime, and that also looks good value given that is he odds-on with plenty of firms.
Whoever scores first, this promises to be a a hard fought and fiery affair given the high stakes involved.
The last three league games between the two sides have produced three red cards, and it would be no surprise if there was another.
However, providing that Arsenal can keep their heads I can see them coming out on top and fancy them to win 2-1 at 9.5 with Betfred.
