Expect early fireworks between Arsenal and Man City

After five wins in succession to end 2021, Arsenal begin the new year with the prospect of a stern examination against Manchester City.

Both clubs have enjoyed a flawless festive period, winning all their Premier League fixtures and, in the Gunners’ case, moving serenely through to the EFL Cup semi-finals.

Man City are priced at 1.56 favourites to continue their winning streak in this encounter, with Arsenal at 6.00 to cause an upset. The draw is on offer at 4.9.

Arsenal hoping to avoid imperfect 10

Arsenal’s midweek match with Wolves was postponed because of a Covid cluster in their opponents’ squad, which means they face the champions with the luxury of six days between fixtures.

Their form, too, has been excellent. Four successive league wins have pushed them into the top four, and though only one of those matches has been against top-half opponents, there is once again a sense of momentum building around the Emirates.

Manager Mikel Arteta has worked under the wings of Pep Guardiola in the past, but this did him few favours when the sides met earlier this season. On that occasion, Arsenal were crushed 5-0.

And that is a trend all too familiar for the Gunners against the Etihad club. They have lost their last nine league matches against them and have failed to score in any of the last five.

Will Man City be celebrating at the Emirates again?

City the Premier League’s early birds

With an eight-point advantage at the top of the table, Manchester City look well on course to defend their Premier League crown. This is reflected in their price of 1.14 to win the title.

Guardiola’s side have won each of their last 10 fixtures, including recent blow-out victories against Leeds, Newcastle and Leicester, during which they scored 17 goals.

Brentford made their lives less comfortable on Wednesday, yet Phil Foden’s 16th-minute goal ensured there was little real worry.

City have been specialists in scoring early goals in recent weeks. Prior to their midweek match, they had netted in the first 10 minutes of four of their last five league outings.

Interestingly, they have a habit of scoring early against Arsenal, too. In each of their last five Premier League matches at the Emirates they have scored in under quarter of an hour. Such explosive starting means that the price of 2.28 on Over 1.5 goals in the first half is eye catching.

Sterling to prove his worth

Raheem Sterling was notably kept in reserve by Guardiola against Brentford, but the England winger has a fine recent record against Arsenal. He scored both the goals in a pair of 1-0 league wins last season.

Although having a disappointing season overall, he has hit a rich seam of form lately, scoring in his last four Premier League matches and is 2.42 to continue that trend by scoring anytime or 6.00 to score first.

Fresh-legged and hungry to impress, these are odds well worth considering.

Recommended bets:

First Half Over/Under: Over 1.5 @ 2.28
First Goalscorer: Raheem Sterling @ 6.00