Premier League: City facing huge Gunners test

Manchester City will look to continue their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season when they entertain Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

It is far too early in the season to describe the clash as a title decider, but this is still a hugely important fixture nonetheless.

The Gunners are seen as genuine title contenders and a win for the Citizens would see them open up a five-point lead over Mikel Arteta’s men.

A victory for the visitors at the Etihad Stadium would see them jump above City, so the stakes are high just five games into the new season.

Pep Guardiola's side are unbeaten in the last nine games against their north London rivals and are the hot fancies to keep that run going.

However, the Gunners are more than capable of snapping that streak and an exciting battle looks to be on the cards.

. What: Manchester City v Arsenal, Premier League
. Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
. When: 01:30 Monday 23rd September
. How to watch: Optus Sport
. Odds: Man City 1.75, Draw 3.60, Arsenal 4.75

Haaland inspires City to perfect start

Manchester City look like the team to beat once again this season after winning their opening four games of the campaign.

City have won their last 13 Premier League fixtures and Arsenal are the last side to have taken points off them.

That was following a 0-0 draw back in March this year and it could be tight once again.

Mikel Arteta's men managed to keep two clean sheets against City last season and will be out to make it three in a row.

If it is to be low-scoring once again, then under 2.5 goals in the game can be backed at 1.80. Over 2.5 goals is available at 2.00.

Another goalless draw can be backed at 9.50.

But, with star striker Erling Haaland bang in form, City will be confident of bagging at least one goal in the game.

Norwegian ace Haaland has netted nine times in the opening four league games of the season and is priced at 4.00 to score the first goal of the game, or 2.20 to score at anytime.

Gunners aim to make a statement

Arsenal may have lost out in the title race last season, but they did manage to take four points off the eventual champions.

So maybe Arteta has figured out how to stop his former mentor, Guardiola, in the head-to-head matches.

That theory will be tested once again at the Etihad, but the Gunners can head there with confidence after making a solid start to the season.

Three wins and a draw puts them third on the ladder and they would rise above City if they claim all three points.

Since that 0-0 draw at City, Arsenal have also won six away games on the bounce, so they have no issues on the road.

The Gunners are also boosted by the return of England midfielder Declan Rice, who missed last week's 1-0 derby win at Tottenham due to suspension.

Another Three Lions ace, Bukayo Saka, is sure to be a threat to City all game and the forward is priced at 5.00 to score a goal at anytime.