While Manchester United vs. Liverpool may be the match of the day, Manchester City vs. Arsenal is arguably more compelling with both teams playing in top forms.
Of course, Manchester City enters his match in a different mood than Arsenal after they blew a late 2-1 lead and lost to Real Madrid in the 90th minute at the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile Arsenal made quick work of Montpelier in a 2-1 win to open their UCL campaign on the right note.
Both of these clubs enter the match with identical records of 2 wins and 2 draws, but are 5 points back of first place Chelsea for the top spot in the Premier League.
The big story for Manchester City is that striker Mario Balotelli may finally be ready to play after being left out of the lineup against Real Madrid on Tuesday. The controversial striker voiced displeasure at being left out but coach Roberto Mancini defended his decision by stating that he made the right choice for the club. However, Mancini did state that Balotelli could see time against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will have to learn to adapt to life without number one keeper Wojciech Szczesny who has been ruled out for two to three weeks after suffering an ankle problem. Vito Mannone is expected to be the guy in goal for the Gunners moving forward as he has yet to concede in the Premier League.
The match starts at 11 AM ET.
Prediction: A hard fought battle ends in a 2-2 deadlock.
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