We’ve gone way too long without the Premier League in our lives. For more than three months, one of the best soccer leagues in the world has been sidelined due to the coronavirus, but that extended postponement is finally at an end. The league returns to action on Wednesday, June 17, and there will be plenty of games over the summer as there are nine matchdays scheduled between then and July 26. That means, we will see a whopping 82 matches in a little over a month, and Manchester City will play host to Arsenal FC in the second game on Wednesday.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England at 3:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Odds
Manchester City -294
Arsenal FC +600
Draw +452
Over/Under 3.5
Odds Analysis
Neither one of these teams has had a good season by their standards. For Arsenal, the hope coming into the campaign was that Unai Emery would lead them back to the Champions League. Instead, they have been languishing in the middle of the table for much of the year, and that led to Emery’s departure in late November.
He was replaced by former midfielder Mikel Arteta, and the team’s form has improved since that point. It took some time for the Gunners to get rolling, but Arsenal were unbeaten in 10 league matches through the first 10 weeks of 2020. They compiled six wins and four draws, yet they are still sitting in ninth place in the table due to their sluggish start. Arsenal are just five points behind fifth place Manchester United though, and they can make a run down the stretch to return to European play.
Coming into this year, Manchester City were odds-on favorites to win their third straight Premier League title. The Citizens had lost a total of six games over the previous two seasons, and they were expected to at least be in the mix the whole way.
That has failed to happen though. An injury to Aymeric Laporte in September exposed this back line, and that led to a disastrous run for City. They have lost seven times through 28 matches this season, and they sit 25 points behind Liverpool. Their offense has deserted them in recent weeks too, as they scored just four goals in five games prior to the postponement of the season.
Key Injuries
The hosts don’t have anyone listed on their injury report. During the time off, the Citizens have been on the mend, and they are expected to be at full strength on Wednesday.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the visitors. Arsenal’s Calum Chambers needs at least two more months to recover from a torn ACL he suffered in late December, and Lucas Torreira might be out until 2021 after he fractured his lower leg. Cedric Soares is considered a game-time decision with a broken nose.
Matchup to Watch
Manchester City have many more weapons on the attack than Arsenal. Kevin De Bruyne is the best set-up man in the league, and the Citizens also boast Sergio Aguero, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s only real threat up top is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang is second in the league with 17 goals, and he has ten more tallies than teammate Alexandre Lacazette.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
While City are clearly the more talented team, chemistry and fitness is a major concern for every team after such an extended break. With that in mind, don’t be surprised to see many eyebrow raising results.
English Premier League Score Prediction: Arsenal FC 1, Manchester City 1
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