Arsenal vs. Manchester City: 5 Bold Predictions for the Premier League Clash

Arsenal and Manchester City face off at the Emirates in what should be an enticing Premier League match.

Both sides desperately need all three points, but for different reasons. Manchester City need to keep their title hopes alive and continue to pressure Manchester United, while Arsenal must regain third place and capitalize on Spurs' draw with Sunderland. 

Losses would be bad news for both sides, as a loss for Manchester City would surely see them bow out of the title race, while a loss for Arsenal would see them slip back into fourth place.

Here are five bold predictions for Arsenal versus Manchester City.

Manchester City Score First

I see Manchester City getting a goal before Arsenal in this match, scoring in the first half to give them an unexpected league away from the Etihad Stadium.

The statistics don't support this though—Manchester City have scored an overwhelming amount of goals in the second half rather than the first, with 24 in the first 45 minutes of matches and a whopping 51 goals in the second period of matches.

Am I necessarily saying that City will score in the first half? No, but they'll score before Arsenal.

Alex Song Will Shut out Manchester City's Midfield

Alex Song has arguably been Arsenal's best player this season, after a certain Dutchman of course.

He's improved so much since the nervous centre-back he used to be, now flourishing in his holding midfield role where he breaks up opposition play with strong tackles. At the same time, he sends beautiful long balls over the top for Arsenal's forwards to pounce on.

At the same time, Manchester City have a tremendous midfield, with players like Yaya Toure and David Silva to name a few. David Silva was by many considered the best player in the league in the first half of the season, but he's started to fade and isn't earning nearly as much praise as he was before.

He's still a brilliant attacking prowess, but I think Alex Song has what it takes to shut out City's creative engine.

The Ox Will Start and Make a Impact

As an Arsenal supporter, I'm praying this prediction will be correct.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently the Gunners' best option on the left wing. Gervinho has looked much less sharp since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, and Aaron Ramsey's recent performances make me shout obscenities at the television (I don't think I'm the only Arsenal fan who does this).

To prevent this from turning into an Aaron Ramsey rant, I'll instead praise the Ox. The 18-year-old has been absolutely brilliant when he's been given his chance for Arsenal this season, and it's mind-boggling how he's so good at such a young age. He seems to have it all—pace, strength, a powerful shot and even a smart footballing mind. 

The Ox will someday be one of the best players in the world, but for the moment, I'm crossing my fingers that he'll start in order to benefit the team and make the impact that he always makes.

Robin Van Persie Scores and Is Man of the Match

There are only a few Premier League teams that Robin van Persie hasn't scored against this season. Manchester City is one of them.

It's become apparent to some Arsenal supporters that "Captain Vantastic" actually hasn't scored in three matches. He must have gotten bored or something, and he'll get back to his usual habits with a Man of the Match performance against Manchester City in which he'll score at least one goal.

He scores when he wants to.

Arsenal Win, Roberto Mancini Admits Defeat in Title Race

My final prediction is that Arsenal will walk away with all three points against Manchester City.

The Emirates has been a complete fortress this season, with the Gunners winning every match there except for two draws and two losses.

Arsenal have already proved that they can defeat the big teams at home—something they displayed in their emphatic 5-2 win over Spurs and their 2-1 win over Newcastle.

Sure, those clubs are both tough to compare to Manchester City, but I think Arsenal certainly has what it takes to beat the Citizens and derail their title challenge—after all, the Gunners are unplayable at their best.