In a year like no other, it’s nice to reminded that some things will never change. Here we have Arsenal – the narrative of potential relegation slipping into the vernacular of the common folks and their entire club appearing shambles – still somehow in the latter stages of the Carabao Cup.
And you know what, as weird as it is to say, Arteta and this doomed regime probably won’t even give them the Christmas satisfaction of complaining outright.
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Arsenal live and die by trophies in lieu of them actually achieving anything in the league or in Europe, whether that be through the FA Cup or via this gorgeous competition named after an energy drink I’ve never seen stocked in any supermarket.
Manchester City? Well, they’re the holders and can comfortably put out a second-string XI if they want to, especially facing what appears to be the most congested of festive fixture lists.
Arsenal v Man City – Carabao Cup quarter-final
8pm, Sky Sports Football
They probably fancy that’s enough to beat this incarnation of the Gunners in the first place. But is it? Usually the team that needs the result in this competition gets it and that’s exactly what I can see happening here.
Bet builder time I believe?
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Double Chance: Arsenal or the Draw
I understand you if you feel you can’t trust Arsenal to mind your money, but I do need to inform you that Manchester City are particularly occupied with both Europe and the league.
Oftentimes when City do well in this competition, they’re either firmly in control of matters domestically, or they’re miles off and need to have something to show for their efforts come year’s end.
Now, they’re in contention for Premier League glory but they cannot slip up whatsoever or they’ll face a repeat of 2019/20 – something that Pep and co know won’t go down well in Abu Dhabi.
With Arsenal requiring a catalyst and a shakeup in the ranks, this does feel like the perfect banana skin to capitalise on and make it work in their favour.
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Over 3.5 Goals
Is there, for even a second, a way this game plays out where you don’t envisage a handful of defensive errors, a worldie from distance and a frequent switch of momentum?
For all the problems Arsenal have, they’re more existential than they are anything else and sometimes it’s worth remembering that they do possess actual quality in their squad – they’re just low on confidence. And form. And direction.
Gabriel Jesus to Have 4 or More Shots
Given Sergio Aguero is being aimed at the Southampton game, it will be no surprise to see Jesus let loose as he tends to when he feels under pressure.
I’m certainly no fan of him, but it’s just matter-of-fact and quite Brazilian of him to produce his best bits as soon as he feels under threat again. Enjoy it while you can son – you’ll be playing for Wolves next year.
Arsenal to Have 4 or More Shots on Target
I cannot stress enough how much of the ball Arsenal are going to try and keep against City here, due to Mikel Arteta’s nagging need to cling onto an identity that, for some reason, now involves crossing the ball to nobody.
But Arsenal are still quite proficient from attacking set pieces and that’s generally where City struggle, so I’m happy to add this leg.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Arsenal v Manchester City bet summary – Tuesday, December 22
Double Chance: Arsenal or the Draw
Over 3.5 Goals
Gabriel Jesus to Have 4 or More Shots
Arsenal to Have 4 or More Shots on Target
All four of these selections in a bet builder will pay out at approximately 21/1 with Paddy Power
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