EPL 2012-13: Arsenal vs Manchester City Preview

City go into this game seven-points below league leaders Manchester United while Arsenal have a chance to move into fifth place with three points. United could go 10-points clear depending on the result against Liverpool which will be an added pressure for Roberto Mancini's men.

The Citizens last won at Arsenal back in 1975 and have not won on any of their last 27 league visits. Even after being financially strong, this particular fixture has not brought any rewards. City have not scored a goal in their last five Premier League visits to the Emirates.

Arsenal have been consistent in their last five games, freely scoring at home. But their last two away games against Southampton and Swansea City ended in a draw which could force manager Arsene Wenger to go for an attacking line-up.

Same time last season, City were six points less than their total after the same number of games. Mancini will be without midfield engine Yaya Toure while Sergio Aguero is out injured. Samir Nasri faces the last of three-match suspension while Maicon and Micah Richards are out with knee injuries.

Arsenal hope striker Oliver Giroud passes a late fitness test while Abou Diaby won't be risked after playing for the under-21s.

Trivia:

*There have been four red cards in the last five meetings between these two sides.

*Manchester City have conceded the least number of goals, 19.

Probable Line-ups:

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny-Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs-Arteta, Wilshere-Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Podolski-Walcott.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Hart-Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy-Garcia, Barry-Silva, Tevez, Milner-Dzeko.

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