Man City v Arsenal preview

Wenger: Feeling the strain

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Man City 1 Arsenal 2
Sky Bet odds: Man City 9/4 Draw 12/5 Arsenal 6/5
One to Watch: Stephen Ireland
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Arsenal look to put behind them yet another testing week as they head to Eastlands to take on Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Gunners slumped to their fourth league defeat of the season last weekend, losing 2-0 at home to Aston Villa.

Arsene Wenger's troops have now lost more games this campaign than in the whole of the last, while comments from William Gallas have added a further twist to their plight.

France international Gallas revealed unrest in the Emirates Stadium camp and will not play against City after losing his captaincy.

City, meanwhile, have not been without troubles of their own as speculation over manager Mark Hughes' position continues to linger.

The Welshman has tasted a top-flight triumph just once in his previous eight outings and will be eager to put that right versus his North London opponents.

Hughes' men were denied three points at Hull City last weekend, after leading 2-1, and his side have now thrown away 13 points from winning positions this term - more than any other team.

Late checks

City, like Arsenal, had numerous players away on international duty this week and will assess their fitness ahead of the clash, with the likes of Brazilian duo Elano and Robinho not back until Friday.

Switzerland midfielder Gelson Fernandes faces a late fitness test while goalkeeper Joe Hart is unavailable after he injured his ankle at the KC Stadium.

Captain Richard Dunne has completed his one-match ban while Danny Sturridge has returned to training following three weeks out with an ankle injury.

The Gunners' woes are compounded with the news that Theo Walcott is out for three months after he dislocated his shoulder while training with England on Tuesday.

Defender Kolo Toure is set to miss out with a calf problem, while Emmanuel Eboue (knee) and Cesc Fabregas (suspended) will not feature.

Wenger does have Robin van Persie at his disposal after the Dutchman served a three-match ban and Emmanuel Adebayor will be pushing for a starting role after making his comeback from injury last weekend.

Possible starting XIs

Man City: Schmeichel, Zabaleta, Richards, Ben Haim, Garrido, Ireland, Hamann, Wright-Phillips, Kompany, Vassell, Robinho.

Arsenal: Almunia, Djourou, Gallas, Silvestre, Clichy, Nasri, Denilson, Song, Diaby, van Persie, Adebayor.