PREVIEW: Manchester City vs Arsenal

Arsenal travel to The Etihad to face defending Champions Manchester City in a title showdown this afternoon. The Gunners know that a win would see them remain in pole position for the title and would serve as a statement of their credentials as challengers. 

Injury News - Arsenal

The visitors are getting closer to a fully fit squad following the International break. Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu both featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR last week and so should both feature in the squad.

Jurrien Timber has continued his recovery from an ACL injury but has yet to gain any playing time, despite returning to full training. He is expected to miss out.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel are all doubts following injuries that ruled them out of international duty but Mikel Arteta described them as having a chance of playing against City.

Injury News - Brentford

Pep Guardiola ruled out both John Stones and Kyle Walker in his pre-match press conference, with the duo picking up knocks while playing for England. 

Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji and Ederson are all recovering from injuries but it is likely they will
feature.

Form

Arsenal are on a run of eight successive victories in the league, having beaten Brentford 2-1 in their last league fixture. The Gunners haven't played since their Champions League match against Porto, in which they won on penalties to set up a quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.

City on the other hand won their FA Cup tie with Newcastle United in their last game. They drew 1-1 at Anfield against Liverpool in their last league fixture having won their previous four games.

Recent History

Arsenal have faced Man City 210 times in their history, winning 100, drawing 45 and losing 65. 

A deflected Gabriel Martinelli goal was enough for Arsenal to clinch all three points in the reverse fixture at The Emirates. They also won in the Community Shield back in August on penalties. 

In the corresponding fixture last season, City blew Arsenal away and raced to a 4-1 win that ultimately proved decisive in the title race.

Played For Both

A host of players have represented both clubs, with most recent examples heading from Arsenal to City. Emmanuel Adebayor, Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Kolo Toure have all moved to The Etihad.

Previous players also include Niall Quinn, Paul Dickov, Patrick Vieira and Nicolas Anelka. David Rocastle also went onto play for City following a stellar career with Arsenal. The match represents the 23rd anniversary of his passing. Arsenal supporters have asked those attending to applaud and sing his name in the 7th minute as a mark of respect.

Prediction

It promises to be an exceptional day in the title race, and Arsenal will know that a win would signal their intent and mark significant progress from last seasons collapse. 

I keep changing my prediction for this one, but I've landed on a 2-2 draw. 

Come on you Gunners.