Football betting: Manchester City and Arsenal can edge closer to Champions League spot with a point
It wasn't supposed to be this way for either of these two sides.
When Manchester City against Arsenal was scheduled for the penultimate weekend of the season, it looked like a mouth-watering clash that could decide the fate of the Premier League.
Instead, the Gunners travel to Manchester on Sunday with the trophy already in the hands of Leicester City.
There’s still plenty to play for at the Etihad however, with both sides yet to seal their place in the top four and ensure Champions League football next season.
Arsenal were just two points off the Foxes when they beat them 2-1 on Valentine’s Day.
At the time they were favourites to win their first league title since the Invincibles season of 2004.
In the 10 games since, the Gunners have taken only 16 points and have drawn three of their last five matches.
The pressure has increased on Arsene Wenger as his side have limped towards the finish-line, and they’re in serious danger of finishing behind Tottenham for the first time in 21 years.
Manuel Pellegrini’s City have also underperformed this year.
Despite all the talent their squad boasts they are perched precariously in fourth.
City go into this weekend just four points ahead of their neighbours Manchester United, who also have a game in hand, and defeat to Alexis Sanchez and friends could spell disaster.
Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Wednesday, Pellegrini’s only remaining task is to ensure qualification for next season’s edition for his successor, Pep Guardiola.
Neither side would be too unhappy with a draw, which I suggest backing at 12/5 with Betway.
A point moves both clubs slightly closer to continental certainty, and given their recent form, I wouldn’t be confident backing either of them to win such an important game.
City employed peculiarly negative tactics against Real Madrid, offering only two shots on target across the two legs.
Given Arsenal’s lack of firepower too – only four goals in their last four games – I see this being a dour, cagey affair.
Sell total goals at 2.75 with Sporting Index.
Pointers
Draw 12/5 ( Betway)
Sell total goals 2.75 (Sporting Index)