Arsenal vs Man City betting tips and value bets

Imago Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes could be a huge threat from set pieces against City's back four — *Imago* Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes could be a huge threat from set pieces against City's back four

Arsenal state of play

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to close the gap on pacesetters Liverpool after two solid victories in the last week.

The Gunners secured a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Wolves in their last Premier League outing in a fixture that was overshadowed by Myles Lewis-Skelly's bizarre red card, which has now been overturned.

Arteta's men followed that up with a solid 2-1 triumph over Girona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

All is not entirely rosy though. Arsenal still look light in attack and not completely solid in defence. The win at Molineux was Arsenal's first away clean sheet in 10 Premier League games, since a 1-0 win at Tottenham in September.

Manchester City state of play

Manchester City are finding their groove again after one of Pep Guardiola's toughest seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

They defeated Chelsea with a 3-1 win in their last Premier League outing following a shaky start to the fixture. New signing Abdukodir Khusanov gifted the Blues their opener, but the rookie centre-back recovered before being substituted for John Stones just after half time.

The defending champions are now unbeaten in six league matches, winning four of their past five - having previously only won one in nine.

City also scraped into the Champions League play-offs after beating Club Brugge 3-1 in midweek. Guardiola's men have now progressed from the Champions League group stage/league phase in each of the last 12 seasons.

Key talking point: Will the Emirates showdown boil over?

City and Arsenal played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in September after Stones poked in a last-gasp equaliser at the Etihad. The Gunners had been trying to hang on having been reduced to 10 men after Leandro Trossard was given his marching orders at the end of the first half.

Tempers flared throughout the clash, but they bubbled over at full time. And after Stones' dramatic leveller, City star Erling Haaland was seen saying "stay humble" to Arteta.

The Norway international was also involved in a heated confrontation with Gabriel Jesus, who is now out of action for the rest of the campaign, and youngster Lewis-Skelly. Haaland appeared to mouth obscenities multiple times to the teenager during the tense exchange of words.

FIRST’s top tip for Arsenal vs Manchester City

Erling Haaland to be carded at 15/4 (Bet442)

The prolific Norwegian was clearly rattled when the two sides last locked horns earlier in the campaign. Although he’s only been booked twice this season, the Gunners will be looking to get under his skin from the off.

He was shown a yellow card against Chelsea on the opening day of the season and also in the dying minutes of City’s away clash at Brighton in November.

Extra tips

Gabriel Magalhaes first goalscorer at 9/1 (Bet442)

The 27-year-old has cultivated an imperious defensive partnership with William Saliba at the back. But the big Brazilian is also a constant threat at the other end of the pitch - particular from set pieces.

He's already bagged three goals in the Premier League this season and will relish a tussle against City defender Khusanov.

Kai Havertz anytime goalscorer at 2/1 (Betway)

Kai Havertz is much maligned by some of the Arsenal faithful for the chances he misses. But the German ace, 25, remains the club's top goal scorer this season with eight goals in 20 Premier League appearances.

He'll have a point to prove on home soil after a tough showing against Wolves last week and questions about his long-term future in the team.

Team news

David Raya missed Wednesday’s clash against Girona. The ex-Brentford goalkeeper was left out of the squad completely for the match in Spain, although could be recalled to face City.

Skipper Martin Odegaard was absent for the 1-0 win over Wolves last weekend due to illness but subsequently started at Girona in midweek. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are long-term casualties.

For City, the return of Oscar Bobb is a timely boost. Guardiola is expected to still be without winger Jeremy Doku after the Belgian sustained a minor injury.

In defence, Ruben Dias is set for another spell on the sidelines. John Stones is working his way back to full fitness and played 90 minutes against Club Brugge.