Arsenal vs. Manchester City Betting Odds, Match Preview, Prediction

Manchester City got off to a great start to the English Premiership season before a shocking loss in their last match—at home no less.

However, in a key early EPL match this weekend, they are the betting favorite facing an Arsenal squad they already lost to—badly—in the FA Community Shield.

Even at home, Arsenal are the betting underdog facing Manchester City.

Sportsbooks tracked by Odds Shark had Premier League odds for this match with Man City posted at 7-5 with Arsenal at 2-1 and a draw line of 5-2.

Prediction: 1-1 draw

The Gunners picked up the first trophy of the season by beating City in the FA Community Shield, but they are not in top form. They have draws in their last two matches, and while they were both on the road, they could not beat Leicester City, promoted just this season, in their last match.

Man City had scored five goals in their first two matches before surprisingly being shut out 1-0 to Stoke City in their last match. They have a tall task facing a Gunners defense that conceded the fewest home goals in the league last season.

Defense may be key in this early-season EPL encounter since both squads have injury concerns upfront. For Man City, Stevan Jovetic is doubtful and Sergio Aguero is still not 100 percent fit. For the Gunners, Olivier Giroud is out, and Aaron Ramsey may join him on the sideline with his injury concerns.

The possible absence of Jovetic and the fitness of Aguero are especially worrisome for the visitors, as they have four of City’s five goals this season. Still, even with the international break, Aguero is back from training with Argentina and stated he is fit and ready for this big match.

Arsenal and their solid defensive back line have to be confident already scoring a clean sheet over Man City this season in the FA Community Shield. In that match, City won the time of possession (59 percent to 41 percent) and had more shots on goal (11-8) but still fell to the Gunners, 3-0.

Last season at Emirates Stadium, these two squads played to a 1-1 draw.

Danny Welbeck was recently signed by Arsenal, and with some strikers hurting for the Gunners, he may get the start on the pitch. The England national striker showed why the club shelled out £16 million to get him, playing a great match in the recent 2-0 Euro qualifying encounter against Switzerland, where he scored a brace.

Stats and odds and injury updates courtesy of Odds Shark.