Arsenal vs Manchester City: Stars Who Must Shine for City to Keep Up with Man U

With just seven games remaining on the Premier League slate, Manchester City is in a major battle with Manchester United to be crowned the 2011-12 champions. The Citizens have fallen on hard times as of late, and that has allowed the Red Devils to open up a five-point advantage. But with matchup between the teams still on the schedule, anything can happen.

Man City has an absolutely massive match on Sunday against Arsenal, who, although it is well back of first place, currently occupies the third position in the standings. The Gunners started the season in rough fashion, but they have really turned things around. This match will be a battle for City, but they desperately need the win.

Here are three Citizens stars who will have to come up big in order for Manchester City to beat Arsenal and keep pace with Manchester United. 

Joe Hart

Considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the EPL, Joe Hart has had an exceptional season and will need to be on top of his game against Arsenal. Hart has started every game this season for the Citizens and has been an absolute rock between the pipes. His steady goaltending keeps Man City in every game, and that is a big reason why it is battling for the title.

Hart has 13 clean sheets on the year, so he is more than capable of stealing a game for City. If the team doesn't keep its shape and play strong defense, then there isn't much that Hart can do. But provided Man City can get on the scoreboard, Hart is the guy you want protecting the lead. He isn't immune to lapses from time to time, but Hart can't afford a letdown on Sunday. 

Sergio Aguero

After missing Man City's past two contests due to an allergic reaction to the spray he used to treat an ankle injury, the squad's leading scorer, Sergio Aguero, is fit to play against Arsenal. The Citizens registered draws in both those games against inferior opponents in Stoke City and Sunderland, so the Argentinian striker's presence was sorely missed. Those four dropped points are in the past now, and Aguero must help City get three on Sunday.

Although Aguero may have to contend with the polarizing Mario Balotelli for touches up top, Aguero is a far more reliable and consistent player, so he should be the focal point for Manchester City against the Gunners. Aguero leads the team with 17 goals on the season, and he has added five assists as well, so there is no question that City's offense will go as Aguero does.

David Silva

There is no question that his play has dropped off in the second half of the season, but there are few more creative and explosive midfielders in the world than David Silva. He is by far City's best playmaker, as evidenced by his 12 assists, and he has added five goals as well, so he can finish when given the opportunity. The match against Arsenal could easily be decided in the midfield, and Silva will have a lot to say about it.

It takes a gifted player to individually affect the pace of the game, but Silva is certainly somebody who has that type of ability. Silva's recent struggles would be all but forgotten by the Manchester City faithful if he found a way to dominate on Sunday, as it is the Citizens' final huge test before a date with Manchester United on April 30.