The stage is set for two titans of the English Premier League to lock horns and do battle, for the fierce rivals Arsenal FC and Manchester City to clash in the FA Cup Semi-Final. This hotly anticipated show-down is guaranteed to set pulses racing, in what’s lined up to be a potentially fascinating contest. In a match that will undoubtedly see “The Gunners” appealing trademark style of technical, attractive play, pitted against Pep Guardiola’s exciting brand of lethal counter-attacking football, the fans are surely ought to see some unforgettable soccer.
Arsenal FC vs. Manchester City FC
The two giants of the game will meet head-to-head on Sunday, April 23rd on the grandest stage of all – The legendary Wembley Stadium. This sold-out box office fixture promises to be an intriguing, mouth-watering cup-tie. Those wishing to tune in live can catch the contest broadcasting on BT Sport and Sky Sports 1. The match Kick’s off at 15.00 GMT.
3-Way: 1: Arsenal FC +333; X: +301 Draw; Manchester City FC -110
Spread +0.5: Arsenal+104; Manchester City -112
Total +3: Over -114; Under +102
ARSENAL FC
This thrilling crunch-match comes at a pivotal time for both managers, with Arsene Wenger firmly in the spotlight regarding his future at the club. Bombarded by a tidal wave of criticism, and a mutiny led by dissenting fans voicing their discontent at Arsenals mediocre league position and underachievement this season. Wenger’s fate as boss seems to be tittering on the brink of extinction. With Wenger’s contract due to expire later this summer, the club’s stance regarding his future could hinder on the result of this enthralling match-up.
Arsenal currently ranks on the 7th spot in the English Premier League, chasing a ten-point gap between themselves and the Manchester City Blues.
The two adversaries met each other in the league back in the beginning of April. The gunners managed to salvage a point, twice coming back from behind against a rampant City team to settle the score at two apiece. For Arsenal, this 2:2 draw, can certainly be considered as a triumph and a welcome rest bite, considering the clubs woeful run of form lately. Pre-match protests, and banners signaling Wenger’s demise took the limelight, along with Arsenals glaring defensive frailties, which for fans, left a bitter taste in the mouth.
It seems the claw-back at the Emirates had semi-galvanized a dwindling season for the Gunners, picking up six points out of their last three encounters with a 3:0 win in the league against a Mid-table “Hammers” side. Then suffering a heavy 0:3 defeat to the dejected Crystal Palace team prior to the Monday’s night 2:1 away win against Middleborough at the Riverside. The latest away win will certainly help raise the momentum, and inevitably lift the Gunners spirits ahead of the much anticipated clash this Sunday.
It sum’s up a topsy-turvy year, with the gunners losing four games away from home on the trot before Monday’s win.
So, recent form suggests that the tide is changing for the Wenger’s “red and white army”, reflected by their recent run of results.
However, in the European competition this year, Arsenal has suffered humiliating losses. The Gunners were annihilated by an unshackled Bayern Munich squad, who tore them limb-from-limb, netting a colossal ten times over the course of two legs. In those two Champions League matches, Arsenal looked more exposed than ever, seemingly beleaguered by the effects of a lengthy, exhausting season. Deep cracks in the armor where beginning to show.
Arsenal’s first choice keeper Petr Cech returned from a Calf injury to face Middlesbrough on Monday, and is likely to start in the FA Cup semi-final clash on Sunday.
Defender Lauren Koscielny also returned to the squad for Monday’s mid-week contest, overcoming an Achilles problem, while Ospina and Perez are still out dealing with minor injuries.
Arsenal will also be forced to play without their gifted midfielder Santi Cazorla. Who is unlikely to return from ankle injury for the rest of the season.
MANCHESTER CITY FC
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola entered England at the start of the season, heralded as the greatest manager in the world, leading Bayern Munich and Lionel Messi’s “Blaugrana” to wave after wave of successive title triumphs. However, despite these accolades “Pep” has openly admitted the inception of his managerial career for the “city slickers” got off to a lackluster start. Candidly berating himself in front of the media, over his inability to adapt to the unfamiliar, brute-force of English football. Having said that, Pep Guardiola seems to have settled well after the midway point of the season, acclimatizing to the English game, with Man City experiencing a rich vein of form of late.
Currently Manchester City resides on the 4th place in the league. Four point’s clear of their “Red Devil Rivals” and two points behind the 3rd ranked Liverpool, who carry the added luxury of a game in hand.
Manchester City will be riding high off the back of a 3:0 victory to Southampton in the league, in the away skirmish at St. Marie’s Stadium last weekend. The Citizens have lost only twice in their last twelve match appearance’s in all competitions. The clubs most recent defeat was away to Conte’s Imperious Chelsea, being on the receiving end of a majestic two-goal brace from the in-form Edwin Hazard (1:2).
Guardiola’s city boys suffered a humiliating 3:1 loss at the hands of Monaco in the last 16 of the Champions league back in mid-March. It was a dramatic two-legged saga which saw last year’s semi-finalists crash out on the away goal rule, which ended 6-6 on aggregate.
This clearly dented the confidence. Following this dramatic loss, the blues struggled for form, picking up only two points out of a possible nine over their next three matches.
In the FA Cup match-up on Sunday, Manchester City may have to play without the trusty center-back John Stones who was ruled out of the last weekend’s match with Southampton. The England international has become a reliable choice for Guardiola, starting 13 out of the last 14 games for the club.
Fabian Delph is also a doubt after persistent ankle problems have prevented the midfielder from a return to the squad. It is improbable that he will make a come-back in time for Sunday.
ARSENAL vs. MANCHESTER CITY PREDICTION
Arsenal vs Manchester City is the second FA Cup tie to take place on this blockbuster weekend. The winner of this match-up will be facing the victors of the second FA Cup derby-duel between bitter rivals Chelsea FC and Tottenham, that will be played on Saturday.
My money’s on Manchester City to clinch this one. I just think Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities will invite persistent pressure on the “gunners” suspect back four. However, this could open the game up, and encourage Arsenal to hit “City” on the counter-attack, which could possibly lead to a lot of goals. One thing’s for sure, this FA Cup contest is destined to be a knockout occasion full of that “enigmatic drama” that makes the cup so magical, and memorable for footy fans the world over.
MY PICK: Manchester City (-110)
Total: Over 3 goals (-114)
