This week’s Super Sunday sees Arsenal visit the Etihad for a mouthwatering clash against Manchester City with both teams in need of victory to close in on teams above them.
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To gather an insight into the minds of the two sets of fans we asked members of the respective supporters’ clubs to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
Darren Ball – Abu Dhabi Blues
A point against Everton last time out was disappointing and we should’ve put that game to bed in the 1st half. City need to be able to stabilise after scoring and not concede sloppy goals like we have done on a couple of occasions this season.
Today sees us host Arsenal who are looking to make a move above Spurs in a bid for their regular 4th place that they seem to occupy each year. Both teams look sharp going forward but not too clever defensively, which could make for an entertaining game.
City will welcome back Aguero, Kompany and Dzeko to what is a must win game if we are to keep up with the ever impressive Chelsea.
Prediction: City 2-0 Arsenal.
Likely Man City XI: Hart; Zabbaletta, Demichelis, Kompany, Clichy; Milner, Fernandinho, Nasri, Silva,Aguero, Dzeko
Man City player to watch – SERGIO AGUERO
With his new boots and the record he holds I don’t think the Arsenal defence will have the ability to keep him quiet. Fresh from a run out last week he will be ready to bag goals today.
Here they are, this is it! My new @pumafootball #evoSPEED boots! #ForeverFaster pic.twitter.com/mv2hn8hgKR
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) January 17, 2015
Arsenal player to watch – THEO WALCOTT
If the England front man can produce anything near his best he will worry the City back four. His pace and trickery could be crucial up against Demichelis.
Where to watch: Abu Dhabi Golf Club – With the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on and a few blues in town, we will be gathering at the clubhouse to watch the game. All are welcome and the clubhouse opens to the public at 6pm.
Richard D’cruze – Arsenal UAE Supporters Club
The last time Arsenal travelled to Manchester City, they were utterly humiliated. Last season’s 6-3 hammering was painful to watch as the Gunners were outclassed by the champions elect.
Arsenal have struggled against the bigger sides in the Premier League in recent seasons and this fixture will prove more exciting to watch due to the battle of the South Americans – Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero.
City’s defence has been equally weak this season, so Arsenal need players who are quick on their feet to tire them out. This is where the prospect of Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Kieran Gibbs being available for selection gives Arsene Wenger a huge boost.
Arsenal will be missing key players on Sunday in Danny Welbeck, Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Debuchy and Jack Wilshere.
Prediction: 1-1
Arsenal player to watch: ALEXIS SANCHEZ – The Chilean has carried and clawed Arsenal throughout the season. With 12 goals in his debut season, Alexis is tipped to beat his South American counterpart as the Premier League’s best player by City manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Man City player to watch: SERGIO AGUERO – The Argentine international has scored 14 goals in 13 Premier League appearances and returns to squad after a month out with injury.
Likely Arsenal XI: Szczesny; Chambers, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Rosicky, Cazorla; Sanchez, Ozil, Walcott; Giroud
Where to watch: The Official Arsenal UAE Supporters Club usually gather at Spirals bar at Grandeur Hotel in Al Barsha. However, due to refurbishment reasons, Arsenal UAE will be gathering at The Crown & Lion Bar at Byblos Hotel in TECOM. For more information please contact [email protected]
