Wednesday night delivers a gargantuan clash in the Premier League that could settle the title race as Manchester City entertain Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners are currently five points clear of the reigning champions but City have a game in hand on their rivals. Momentum is already with Pep Guardiola’s side as Arsenal have dropped six points in their last three matches, and a win tonight can deal a crushing blow to Mikel Arteta's title hopes.
This is as big as it gets in the top flight this season and millions of football fans will be intently tuned in on this key battle. But where is the value in betting on this match? This game is going to be huge for bookmakers and there are some interesting trends for punters to look at ahead of kick-off.
Result
Manchester City: 8/15, Draw: 7/2, Arsenal: 9/2
Goals
Over 3.5 Goals seems to be a solid selection because there have been over 3.5 goals scored in Manchester City’s last three league matches as well as Arsenal’s last five. That is valued at 6/4.
Over three goals have also been scored in 92% of City’s Premier League victories at the Etihad this term. Four of their last six wins in the Premier League have been over 3.5 goals. Manchester City to win and over 3.5 goals is 12/5.
There is a high chance of a goal in the first half given Man City have scored in the opening 45 in their last eight home games and Arsenal in their last eight fixtures including their last four away games. Over 0.5 half-time goals is 11/8.
Manchester City to score in both halves is 23/20 - they achieved this in the reverse victory at the Emirates.
Erling Haaland is the league’s top scorer with 32 and he was on the scoresheet at the Emirates back in February. The Norwegian is 2/1 to score first in the match and 4/7 to find the back of the net at any time.
Riyad Mahrez heads into the match having scored a hat-trick in City’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Sheffield United on Saturday. The Algerian to score against Arsenal at any time is priced at 15/8.
Player specials
Betfred are offering a 10/1 on midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne to score and assist for the hosts. He scored and assisted in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
Gabriel Martinelli to score or assist is 9/4. The Brazilian has eight goals and three assists in his last 10 Premier League appearances.
Bukayo Saka to score and assist a goal is a whopping 33/1. The winger has scored and assisted in three of his last seven Premier League starts.
Cards
Betting on yellow cards is always a popular choice for punters and the Arsenal player with the most yellow cards in the Premier League this year might surprise you. Bukayo Saka has picked up six bookings in 2022-23 and his latest came in last week’s draw against Southampton. He is priced at 3/1 to get booked against Manchester City.
Another popular selection who fans expect to get carded is the Gunners' Granit Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder often lets emotion get the best of him if things aren’t going right for his side and he is the favourite to go into the book at 11/8. Xhaka has been booked on five occasions in the league this term.
Everyone is fearing for Arsenal defenders Gabriel and Rob Holding against the menacing Haaland and you’d have to think their chances of picking up a booking are high. They are priced at 5/2 and 11/4 respectively.
Other
If you think that there will be a penalty awarded in the match, Arsenal have been awarded two in their last four Premier League matches and City have been awarded two in their last two league outings. In the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal were awarded a penalty which was scored by Bukayo Saka in the 3-1 defeat. You can get a 6/4 on a spot-kick to be given on Wednesday evening.
Riyad Mahrez heads into the match off a hat-trick and he is priced at 11/8 to have two shots on target against the Gunners.
Martin Odegaard to have a shot on target is available at 11/10 - the Arsenal captain has scored two goals in his last two outings.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
