Arsenal vs Manchester City preview: will Olivier Giroud continue scoring as City visit in crucial Champions League clash?

A look ahead to the fixture at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger pictured at Villa Park last weekend (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Mesut Özil: The main criticism of Özil since he arrived in Premier League is that he doesn’t turn up in the big games. This game is a chance for Özil to silence his doubters with the result likely to play a large role in the title race. He has been in imperious form so far this season and with two goals and 13 assist. Manchester City will need to contain him if they are to leave London with any points.

Best stat…

0: In the 15 games that Vincent Kompany has not played this season City have failed to keep a clean sheet and conceded 1.6 goals per game. In the nine games with Kompany they kept seven clean sheets and conceded only 0.44 goals per game.

Player to watch…

Olivier Giroud: With five goals in his last three games Giroud is currently on top of his game. The Frenchman has also scored twice in arsenal’s last three games against Manchester City. With Giroud high on confidence, City defenders are going to have their work cut out if they are to stop him from adding to his goal tally.

Past three meetings…

Manchester City 0 Arsenal 2 (Cazorla, Giroud) Premier League, January 2015

Arsenal 2 (Wilshere, Sanchez) Manchester City 2 (Aguero, Demichelis) Premier League, September 2014

Arsenal 3 (Cazorla, Ramsey, Giroud) Manchester City 0 Community Shield, August 2014

Form guide…

Arsenal: LWDWWW

Manchester City: LWWLWW

Vital Information…

Kick Off: 8pm, Monday, 21st December

TV: 8pm Sky Sports 1