Manuel Pellegrini described Alexis Sánchez as the league's best player in his press conference this week.
An attempt to fire up his own players? Possibly. Sergio Agüero and David Silva could rekindle their lethal partnership against the Gunners this weekend after the Argentine returned from injury to offer 20 minutes of his services in a 1-1 draw against Everton seven days ago. Agüero may have played 501 minutes less than Sánchez this season, but he has still managed two more goals and 15 more shots than the Chilean.
(A comparison of Sergio Agüero and Alexis Sánchez in the Premier League this season - image via @TeleFootball)
But could the resurgence of that deadly double act be proved futile without the presence of Yaya Touré just behind them in the heart of the midfield? City have not won in the league without the 31-year-old since last April and with a challenging run of fixtures awaiting the champions, could Touré's trip to the African Cup of Nations damage the club's title credentials?
Arsène Wenger's preparation for Sunday's fixture has also been bruised. Mikel Arteta was ruled out for three months with an ankle injury this week and his composure on the ball has been vital to Arsenal's average possession rate of 55% this season. Arteta boasts a pass accuracy rate of 94%, higher than any other Arsenal player, and his absence could affect his side's rhythm this weekend.
(Mikel Arteta has been ruled out for three months after undergoing ankle surgery)
Wenger will also be without new signings Mathieu Debuchy and Danny Welbeck. The latter, signed from Manchester United for a fee of £16m in the summer, has contributed just 11% of Arsenal's 37 league goals this term and instead of criticising his rival's capture of Wilfried Bony in a recent press conference, maybe the Frenchman should have taken advantage of his club's financial situation and lodged a bid for the prolific goalscorer himself.
Arsenal have not been victorious at the Etihad Stadium since 2010 and their last trip to Eastlands ended in embarrassment. The Gunners maintained their appalling away record against the top four in a crippling 6-3 defeat that saw Sergio Agüero, Álvaro Negredo, Fernandinho (2), David Silva and Yaya Touré fire past Wojciech Szczęsny to record one of the most enteraining games in Premier League history.
(City ran out 6-3 winners at the Etihad Stadium last term)
Goals could be on the menu yet again this Sunday with both sides boasting fearsome goal tallies so far this season. Behind Chelsea, City (45) and Arsenal (37) top the scoring charts. Creativity has also been a characteristic present in both side's play with the two sides rocking up 564 chances between them. This one definitely has the potential to be a thriller.
(A comparison of Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League this season - image via @Squawka)
Potential line-ups
Manchester City
- Agüero and Kompany set to return
- Samir Nasri ruled out for three weeks to a month
- James Milner could fill his role in the midfield
Arsenal
- 19-year-old Héctor Bellerín could replace the injured Debuchy at right back
- Giroud set to fill lone role up front in the absence of Welbeck
- Aaron Ramsey made the bench last week but may not be risked
Form Guide
Manchester City
WWDWD
Arsenal
DWWLD
Prediction
Manchester City 2 - 1 Arsenal
