The match against Arsenal in the Premier League was crucial for Manchester City. Following are the duels of key players from both teams.
Man City will host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday (6/18). The chances of the Citizens winning the Premier League this season are relatively small. But Pep Guardiola’s team did not want to give Liverpool a faster way to become a champion.
The results of this match could be in the hands of several mainstay players of both teams. The following 5 key duels in the Man City vs Arsenal match are quoted from Sportskeeda:
1. Sterling vs Bellerin
Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin will be another challenge for Man City winger Raheem Sterling. In the 2020 calendar, Sterling has not scored goals and assists for The Citizens in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Bellerin is in combat-ready condition and ready to become the first choice of coach Mikel Arteta. The winner of the Sterling vs Bellerin duel will be determined by the fitness of each player.
2. De Bruyne vs Xhaka
De Bruyne has shown himself to be the best Premier League player this season by becoming the creator of the Man City attack. De Bruyne has scored 8 goals and 16 assists.
At the time when De Bruyne was in the best form, Xhaka actually had a fluctuating season. The Swiss midfielder needs to be disciplined in guarding the midfield to prevent Man City and De Bruyne from creating chances.
3. Mahrez vs Saka
In this season Mahrez became one of Pep Guardiola’s mainstays. Mahrez’s magic and guile this season has successfully deceived opposing defenders. In the match Mahrez will turn to terrorize young Arsenal defender Bukayo Saka.
Saka became a new idol on the left side of the Arsenal defense. However, the 19-year-old young player needs to try hard to keep Mahrez who has scored 7 goals and provided 10 assists.
4. Aguero vs Luiz
Aguero has a lot of experience in dealing with Luiz, and vice versa. When against Arsenal, Aguero will try to exploit the space between two Arsenal center backs, one of whom is filled with Luiz.
The Argentine striker will become Man City’s foundation in scoring goals and winning. Because Manchester Blue is determined to secure second place in the final standings of the Premier League.
5. Ederson vs Aubameyang
Goalkeeper Ederson Moraes and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could determine the outcome of the match. Both are in good form this season.
Like Aguero, Aubameyang is also on a mission to be the top scorer this season. Aubameyang is only two goals behind Jamie Vardy who is at the top of the top score.
Aubameyang and Ederson both could be a threat to the opponent’s defense. Because besides being a goalkeeper, Ederson is also good at playing the ball from behind with his accurate pass to the striker.
