Manchester City v Arsenal: Barclays Premier League preview

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Man City team news
Captain Richard Dunne, midfielder Gelson Fernandes and striker Danny Sturridge could all return to Manchester City's squad for Saturday's home clash against Arsenal.

Dunne and Fernandes have both completed one-match bans for their red cards against Tottenham a fortnight ago, while Sturridge has returned to training following three weeks out with an ankle injury.

However, Fernandes faces a late fitness check after coming off during Switzerland's midweek friendly win over Finland, while manager Mark Hughes could also add another goalkeeper to his squad as cover for the injured Joe Hart if he can make a suitable loan signing.

Team (from) : Schmeichel, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, Kompany, Ireland, Mwaruwari, Robinho, Vassell, Fernandes, Ben-Haim, Jo, Onuoha, Ball, Hamann, Elano, Sturridge, Evans.

Arsenal team news
Arsenal forward Robin van Persie returns from suspension for the trip to Manchester City but midfielder Cesc Fabregas serves a one-match ban.

Kolo Toure (calf) is doubtful, while Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Emmanuel Eboue (knee) are on the sidelines along with long-term absentees Tomas Rosicky (knee) and Eduardo (ankle).

Emmanuel Adebayor only returned from his ankle complaint last week so will require assessment before a decision is made.

Provisional squad: Almunia, Diaby, Sagna, Nasri, Gallas, Denilson, Silvestre, Clichy, Bendtner, Vela, Ramsey, Song, Djourou, Fabianski, Adebayor, van Persie, Wilshere, Simpson.

The New Football Pools pundits' predictions
John Barnes: Away win
Tony Cascarino: Draw
Graham Poll: Draw

Opta Match Facts
For the past three seasons, the result of the first league match between these sides has been 1-0 to the home side, and the second 3-1 to Arsenal.
In their Premier League history, City have only beaten Arsenal once - 1-0 at home in August 2007 thanks to a Joey Barton penalty.
The Blues have never scored more than one goal against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Arsenal have gone four Premier League games without a clean sheet and have just one shut out in their last nine Premier League outings.
The Gunners have already lost more games than in the whole of 2007-08.
The Citizens have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last eight league games.
Mark Hughes' side have thrown away 13 points from winning positions this season, more than any other team.
Stephen Ireland has now scored five goals this season, more than in his three previous Premier League campaigns added together.
Robinho has scored six goals in five Premier League appearances at the City of Manchester Stadium.
The Gunners have won nine times away at Man City - more than against any other team in the Premier League on the road.

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