Game Preview: Manchester City vs. Arsenal - English Premier League - Matchday 22 - Sunday, Jan 18th, 2015

The reigning English champions, Manchester City, lost two points after a draw at Goodison Park on Saturday. Pellegrini's men had equaled the point tally of high flying, Chelsea FC. This week they'll be presented with yet another testing fixture when they invite Arsene Wenger's men to the Etihad.

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea has moved two points clear at the top of the table and Pellegrini wouldn't want to let them move further away in the table. Chelsea will travel to Swansea at the weekend and their match isn't as easy as one would think. But going by their form, Chelsea might come out with flying colors against Gary Monk's side.
Last time when these two sides [City and Arsenal] met, it was in September 2014 at the Emirates, the score after ninety minutes was 2 - 2. Sergio Aguero and Demichelis scored for the Manchester giants, whereas Jack Wilshere and the Chilean ace, Alexis Sanchez, grabbed a goal each for the North Londoners.

In the 2013/14 Premier League campaign, the result of the same fixture was in favor of the Manchester based team. City defeated the Gunners and it was a real goal fest as the match ended 6 - 3.

Manchester City have won six of their last seven home matches in the league. Arsenal have lost just one of their last six league games. Although there is a vast difference between winning and not losing. Manchester City are eleven points ahead of Arsenal and both the teams have different ambitions. The champions are gunning to retain their title, whereas the Emirates based team is pursuing the Champions League spot. Arsenal are currently fifth in the league with 36 points, only one behind Louis van Gaal's men, whose team recently lost their hold on the third place after a loss to Ronald Koeman's Southampton FC.

City haven't lost a home league game against Wenger's men since 2010. In the last ten head to head matches between the sides, Manchester City has won three, lost two and drawn five.

On the injury front, Arsenal have had quite a few players missing this clash. Although, Theo Walcott has come back to the side after missing most of the first half of this season. Mesut Ozil is the other important name which has boosted the morale of the team on the pitch for Arsenal. The former Real Madrid midfielder could form a lethal partnership with Sanchez and we might see something special if they stay injury free. The North Londoner's top scorer, Alexis Sanchez, has found the back of the net 18 times in all competitions already.

Their recent form: In the last five games, the Citizens have won three and drawn two. On the other hand, Arsenal has won three, drawn one and lost one.

Manchester United have dropped points in the last three matches and if they don't win this weekend, they could lose their position in the top four, if Arsenal grabs three points at the Etihad. Southampton are also vulnerable this weekend as they face Newcastle United. The Saints have picked themselves up after losing four consecutive matches in the Premier League, last month. The fight for the third and fourth spot will get really fierce as we move on. It will be interesting to see if Southampton could finish in top four and earn to play in the Champions League after taking away a chance from one of the regulars like United, Liverpool or Arsenal.