The two sides currently sit on eight points in the Premier League standings, but while Manchester City are winless in last two games in all competitions, Arsenal have won their last three.

The Citizens enjoyed a bright start to the season, beating Chelsea in the Community Shield Match and winning home games against Southampton and QPR, but their showings on the travels are proving to be a major problem.

After sharing spoils with Liverpool and Stoke, Roberto Mancini’s side were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League clash, despite going into the final stage of the match one goal up.

City now need a morale-boosting win to return to the right track, but odds of 1.80 (4/5) offered at Paddy Power just don’t seem right.

Having scored at least two goals in five of their six games this season, Citizens are 1.73 (8/11) with Ladbrokes to continue the impressive run.

Former Arsenal star Samir Nasri won’t be able to face his former teammates after picking up a hamstring strain, but Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli are back.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Hart – Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy – Javi Garcia, Barry – Silva, Y. Toure, Tevez – Aguero.

Football pundits all over England were quick to criticize Arsene Wenger for his summer transfer dealings, but the Frenchman is proving he did know what he was doing.

The goalless draws against Sunderland and Stoke were hardly a perfect way to start the season, but impressive victories over Liverpool, Southampton and Montpellier hinted Arsenal were still a force to be reckoned with in both English and European football.

The Gunners were not at their best in the Champions League clash against Montpellier, but they showed a lot of character to hold on to their lead after a real onslaught from the home side.

As a result, they arrive to Etihad Stadium full of confidence, so bear in mind away win pays 5.00 (4/1) at Bodog.

Arsene Wenger has received a major boost as long-term casualties Jack Wilshire and Emmanuel Frimpong both resumed training, although the midfielders are still few weeks away from returning into action.

First choice keeper Wojciech Szczesny remains sidelined with an ankle problem, with Vito Mannone again set to deputize.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Mannone – Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs – Cazorla, Arteta, Diaby – Gervinho, Podolski, Chamberlain.