PREMIER LEAGUE expert Dan McCulloch(@DMcCulloch1984) shares his views on the Super Sunday clash between Arsenal and Man City.
Arsenal v Man City | Sunday 12th August 2018, 16:00 | Sky Sports
I've read and heard many different strategies punters employ at the start of a new campaign. Some keep their powder dry for the first few weeks, others reduce their stake size initially, while others look to a points-based system throughout. It is this method I work with myself as I reason that the market is just as likely to miss a trick in August as it is in March.
I say all this is because I think Manchester City are far too big here. If, like me, you are on Liverpool in the ante-post market, you may see this as an opportunity for City to drop points but in all honesty I just don't see it.
Superior Citizens
These two sides met three times last term, with City winning 3-0 at The Emirates, by the same scoreline in The League Cup Final and 3-1 at The Etihad. The gulf between these two sides was clear in all three encounters and despite Unai Emery replacing Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss, I see little to suggest that they will bridge that gap in the short-term. Shkodran Mustafi and Granit Xhaka are both likely to start here so I am not sure quite how Emery's pressing tactics will fare!
City missed a couple of their World Cup stars, including key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, in last week's Community Shield encounter with Chelsea but they still easily disposed of their opponents.
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all rumoured to be starting, I can see Arsenal scoring so wouldn't put anyone off City to win and both teams to score, which is generally available at 12/5. However, I will keep things simple and just back the away win at 19/20 with Bet365.
Sergio to strike first
For a smaller stake, I like the look of Sergio Aguero at 4/1 with Bet365 in the first goalscorer market. He scored both goals in last week's victory over Chelsea and found the net in two of City's victories over Arsenal last season. His record of 143 goals in 206 Premier League games is incredible and he shows no signs of slowing down.
I think the market is underestimating him a little here, so take advantage of this price. If this game was in March, I believe City would be closer to 8/11 and Aguero barely 7/2.
Best Bets
Arsenal v Man City – Man City to win (19/20 Bet365)
Arsenal v Man City – Sergio Aguero first goalscorer (4/1 Bet365)
