Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Storylines to Follow During Epic EPL Clash

English Premier League powerhouses Manchester City and Arsenal are set to clash for the first time this season when they meet up at Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Sunday afternoon. 

The two clubs are currently tied in the EPL table with eight points each. Both are in hot pursuit of Chelsea, who is out in front with 13 points through five matches after earning a 1-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday.

So, what should you be watching for down on the pitch on Sunday?

Here we analyze some of the dominant storylines set to play themselves out in this weekend's marquee EPL showdown. 

Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

When: Sunday, September 23

Start Time: 11 a.m. ET

Will Mario Balotelli Play?

According to Richard Jolly via ESPN.com, City head man Roberto Mancini has hinted at the idea of Blues star striker Mario Balotelli seeing some action against Arsenal this weekend (via Jolly):

"

Whereas Mario went to the stands in Madrid, maybe he can play against Arsenal because in our squad it is important that we have people who can run, fight and score.

"

Balotelli was frustrated after being left out of City's lineup against Real Madrid in the club's Champions League opener just days ago. The Italian forward has played in just two games for City this 2012-13 season, and has yet to score on five total shots.

How Will Vito Mannone Fair in Net?

Arsenal will attempt to earn three points on the road on Sunday despite being without its No. 1 goalkeeper in Wojciech Szczesny. The Polish keeper will miss a couple of weeks with an ankle injury according to an ESPN.com report. 

Twenty-four-year-old Italian Vito Mannone will play in front of net against Manchester City instead. Mannone has started two EPL matches for the Gunners already this season, and has yet to concede. 

Still, Mannone has yet to face an attack as formidable as Manchester City's. In addition to the always threatening Balotelli, the Blues boast potent goal scorers in Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure. 

Will Arsenal Threaten on the Counter Attack?

The Gunners have demonstrated an unrivaled ability to threaten and score on the counter attack over their last two matches. Arsenal has scored eight goals in its last two Premier League wins, netting two in Anfield against Liverpool three weeks ago and pouring in six against Southampton last weekend. 

City manager Roberto Mancini is very aware of the danger Arsenal presents (per Richard Jolly via ESPN.com):

"

I think Arsenal are very strong on the counter attack. I watched the game against Liverpool [a 2-0 win] and they played really well. They have two important players, Cazorla and Podolski, and Giroud didn't score but is a good player and we should pay attention to him. Their counter attack is very strong.

"

There is no doubt that Mancini will have his players prepared to slow Arsenal on the counter attack. It's just a matter of whether City will be successful in doing so.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more EPL take, reaction and analysis.