Premier League Picks: Arsenal vs Manchester City

Manchester City to win 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1

City is trailing Arsenal by three points before the game in north London but with a superior goals difference, too. A win here would put the champions on top for the first time in many months, and Pep Guardiola's men did defeat the Gunners just over two weeks ago in the FA Cup when Nathan Ake scored the game’s only goal.

What’s more, Guardiola’s side is in much better form. For the first time this season, Arsenal has failed to win its past three games, losing to City and Everton before a draw with Brentford last weekend. 

City, meanwhile, lost to Tottenham Hotspur but returned to the win column with a comfortable 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday. Rodri, Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan all scored that day and we predict a similar outcome here.

On one hand, it would not be a surprise if Arsenal won. However, this is usually where City performs its best and we think a correct score combination of 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 covers a win for it pretty well.

BETTING PICK: Manchester City to win 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 is +500 with FanDuel.

Riyad Mahrez to Score

It’s been another sensational season for Riyad Mahrez. So far, the he has scored 11 goals this season in 28 games, assisting five other goals and has a record of 0.57 goals per 90 minutes this campaign.

Lately, Mahrez has also been on penalty duty and scored from the spot against Villa on Sunday, but he doesn't have the best record against Arsenal. It took him eight games to score against the Gunners for Leicester City but he did score against them last season for City.

During his excellent run of form and with goals from Erling Haalnd drying up a bit, we think he’ll score again in this one.

BETTING PICK: Riyad Mahrez to score anytime is +260 with FanDuel.

Over 3.5 Cards

The FA Cup game between these two at the end of January saw only three cards. However, in a crucial Premier League battle between the top two, we expect even more.

In truth, it’s already a guarantee that we will get fireworks in some fashion because of the importance of the match. Combine this with the recent chaotic history between City and Arsenal, and there could be a few players disciplined.

At the Emirates, last season, Granit Xhaka, Rob Holding and Bukayo Ska all got booked for Arsenal, and Gabriel was sent off for two yellow cards. For City, Bernardo Silva and Rodri were booked in the 90th minute in response to the crazy celebrations when the latter scored the winning goal.

A red card once again in this match is +340 and players like Xhaka (+190), Rodri (+190), Thomas Partey (+220), Jorginho (+240) and Kyle Walker (+370) are all going to be watched carefully by the referee and his yellow card. 

Either way, it would be an almighty surprise if there were just one or two bookings in this monumental Premier League clash.

BETTING PICK: Over 3.5 cards in the game is -190 with FanDuel.