Manchester City vs Arsenal Odds - Ex-Gunners lead City past former club
Manchester City’s online betting chances jumped over the summer when they spent over $166 million on new players, and it’s paid off so far, at least on defense. City heads to Arsenal this weekend, and unseating the Gunners is their best shot at breaking into the top four. With a couple of ex-Arsenal players in the lineup, look for City to grab their third away win in four matches.
Manchester City vs Arsenal odds: Arsenal +125; Manchester City +175; Draw +225
- WHAT: English soccer betting action
- WHEN: Saturday, September 12, 10:00 AM ET
- WHERE: Emirates Stadium, London
- KEY STAT: Arsenal have won seven and drawn one of their last 10 meetings with City
- PICK: Manchester City
Manchester City vs Arsenal odds maker breakdown: Offense
Emmanuel Adebayor has scored three goals in three games, but he’ll have extra motivation for this game after leaving the Gunners over the summer. Shaun Wright-Phillips looks rejuvenated on the right side of midfield, and has played himself into contention for an England spot at South Africa 2010. Arsenal is trying to replace Adebayor with Andrei Arvashin, and the Russian has been a beast, when healthy, and he’ll miss this game. Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott’s playmaking abilities have also been missed, leaving Robin van Persie as the team’s lone goal threat. Still, Arsenal is tied with London rivals Tottenham for the lead in goals scored, while City still has only four goals total. Betting Edge: Arsenal
Manchester City vs Arsenal odds maker breakdown: Defense
City is the only team in the Premiership to keep clean sheets in all of their games, and they should be with their high-priced defense. Midfielder Gareth Barry has been a great pickup for the club, providing a shield for the defense. Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia has looked shaky in goal, and the Gunners really miss Kolo Toure, who now marshals the City back four. Betting Edge: Manchester City
Manchester City vs Arsenal odds maker breakdown: Coaching
Arsene Wenger has been holding the Gunners together in the face of injuries and exits, while Mark Hughes was handed a massive bankroll to go out and spend, something that Wenger has never had the luxury of having. Wenger gets the edge because of his experience, but one wonders what he would do with the talent Hughes has at his disposal. Betting Edge: Arsenal
Manchester City vs Arsenal odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Just because they’re rich, doesn’t mean City is averse to the injury bug. Strikers Robinho, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz are all hurt, and midfielder Vincent Kompany is doubtful. The Gunners are hoping to have Fabregas and Walcott back, but losing Arvashin is the icing on the cake. The Russian aggravated a groin injury on international duty, which is a shame because he looks like he could score every time he touches the ball (see his brilliant performance against Manchester United two weeks ago for proof). Betting Edge: Draw
Manchester City vs Arsenal betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Arsenal has the recent edge over City in head-to-head action, and their homefield advantage makes them the sports betting favorites this weekend. However, this is a very dangerous City team, and with their offensive injuries, they’re happy to eke out a 1-0 or 2-0 win, which has been the scoreline in all three of their Premiership matches. Toure has been immense in the center of defense, and he’ll be covering former teammate van Persie. Meanwhile, Adebayor is the finisher that Arsenal lacks, and he’ll find the space to score the clinching goal, which will surely upset his former fans. TODD’S PICK: Manchester City
For more club and international soccer betting odds, visit the offshore sportsbook at betonline.com. Todd Shale contributes soccer analysis to betonline.com.
