Manchester City vs Arsenal FA Cup Prediction, Lineups, Results & Betting Tips

This is a huge clash in the FA Cup and it’s one that everybody will be watching. They’re the top two in the division and there’s a real opportunity to gain a psychological edge here for the title race if one of these sides can snatch a win.

Manchester City vs Arsenal Stats

• Martin Odegaard has picked up three yellow cards so far this term and has committed 10 fouls across his last seven league outings
• Thomas Partey has committed seven fouls in his last five league appearances and will be tasked with stopping the supply from midfield
• Manchester City’s opponents have averaged 2.45 yellow cards per game in the league this season

Manchester City vs Arsenal Prediction

Betting Tip: Martin Odegaard to be carded

The first selection of the player card picks is on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard to go into referee Paul Tierney’s book at some point in this clash.

This will be a stern test for Arsenal and whilst their focus will inevitably be on the league, an opportunity to make a statement by dumping Manchester City out of the FA Cup is one that they’ll want to take.

I like the look of the midfield battle between these two as I'd argue that no other sides boast the technical ability that these two sets of midfielders have and I think it could turn into a bit of a battle. Manchester City’s opponents at home this season have averaged 2.45 cards per game and I think captain Martin Odegaard looks a great price to go into the book.

The Norwegian is consistently fouling and against the trickery of Manchester City, he may be required to get physical by closing down the passing lines and looking to win the ball back quickly. He’s priced up at 13/2 which I think is a little bit steep and will have half a point on this pick.

Betting Tip: Thomas Partey to be carded

In a similar fashion, I'll also be taking Thomas Partey to have his number taken by Paul Tierney at the Etihad on Friday night. He is a combative midfielder who is always in the thick of the action at both ends of the pitch but he’ll have his work cut out for him in this one.

You’ve got a similar chance of winning the lottery as you have trying to predict a Pep Guardiola starting lineup but whoever he opts to put in the midfield, they’ll be looking to dictate play, spread the ball around and create openings. But i don’t think the hosts will have it all their own way and in transition, Partey will be the man winning back possession.

He can be a little rash, however, and he has committed seven fouls in his last five league appearances. I want to back players that will be heavily involved in the key areas and Partey meets the criteria. As such, I'll take him to get booked.

Manchester City vs Arsenal Results

Manchester City vs Arsenal Team News 

Manchester City:

• Manchester City should have no injury concerns coming into this game
• Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez impressed in the last round against Chelsea so may start again here

Arsenal:

• Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson remain sidelined through injury
• Mohamed Elneny picked up a knock in training, which forced him to miss out on the matchday squads against both Tottenham and Manchester United, so it remains to be seen when he will return
• Mikel Arteta could hand first starts to January signings Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior

Manchester City vs Arsenal Lineups:

Predicted lineups are brought to you by WhoScored.com.

Manchester City

Ortega, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gomez, Silva, Rodri, Foden, Mahrez, Alvarez, Grealish

Arsenal

Turner, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney, Odegaard, Partey, Zinchenko, Trossard, Nketiah, Rowe

Manchester City vs Arsenal Score Prediction:

Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal