I would be very surprised if Arsene Wenger and the players did not think along those lines, playing for the draw will not be on the agenda come kick off. I will be very interested to see how Mancini approaches the game given the recent defeat at Chelsea, he will be more than aware of the threat posed by Theo Walcott and Gervinho on either flank. I suspect that Vincent Kompany will be responsible for looking after Robin van Persie

We have already experienced both ends of the spectrum this season when visiting top domestic clubs in the Premier League this season. Crushing low’s at Old Trafford back in August to the wonderful high’s of Stamford Bridge.

Much has changed between the two teams over the years, Manchester City were routinely turned over by Arsene Wenger’s teams during the Premier League years, be that home or away. The high volume of £10 notes pumped into the northwest club has changed all that. Manchester City now have a star studded squad, put together in a short space of time and they are currently the team that everyone is trying to beat. Chelsea managed to do just that on Monday which is their first domestic defeat of the season, that along with their Champions League exit could leave a chink in their armoury. If there is one team brave enough to attempt to exploit it, then surely that team is us.

Statistically, it is a huge task. They have won 7 out of 7 at home, scoring 24 goals and conceding only 4. So according to the stats we are set to lose 3.4 – 0.5 which is an interesting score line. Luckily stats can often be a load of rubbish and I hope and pray that is the case this afternoon.

I mentioned yesterday that I would only be truly satisfied with a victory which sounds outrageous but that is because I want to see Arsenal involved in a title race. I want this new resolute and mentally strong side to be in touching distance during the Christmas fixtures. A draw or defeat does not close much ground but if Arsenal manage to pull off an away victory for the first time this season at the Etihad then the gap will be sliced to only six points.

I would be very surprised if Arsene Wenger and the players are not thinking along those lines, playing for the draw will not be on the agenda come kick off. I will be very interested to see how Mancini approaches the game given the recent defeat at Chelsea, he will be more than aware of the threat posed by Theo Walcott and Gervinho on either flank. I suspect that Vincent Kompany will be responsible for looking after Robin van Persie and our Dutchman will have to be extra sharp off the ball to gain any time and space.

I am intrigued to know if City will stop us playing first and foremost and then try and pick us off or if they will trust their ability and go head to head with us.

The midfield clash looks mouthwatering on paper. Toure, Barry and Silva cutting inside vs Song, Ramsey and Arteta. David Silva is likely to start from the left so Johan Djourou could be very important for Arsenal. It would have been preferable if Laurent Koscielny could have started at right back because if anyone can shut someone out of a game then it is him but Vermaelen being forced into left back means that Koscielny will be moved inside to partner Mertesacker once more. Which might even be a positive thing considering that Aguero is likely to start with Balotelli.

Our left and the City right could be pretty interesting also. If Samir Nasri plays then he could well play from that side while Richards is likely to return as the raiding right back. With Vermaelen at left back and also looking to get forward, it could make for some tasty clashes.

I seem to be saying this regularly but Gervinho is due a big game for us. He is always a constant threat but I guess that City will be tough to break down and the unpredictability of Gervinho could be key to unlocking their sky blue door.

I watched Chelsea vs Manchester City and I must say, I was very impressed with Manchester City’s passing game, it has taken us a long time to hone our pass and move game so I am intrigued to know which team dictates possession the best over the 90 minutes. We will certainly not be shy of enforcing our game on them and that makes for a mouthwatering game of football between two talented attacking teams.

It is our chance to show the world how good we are, time for the boys in red and white to stand up and be counted. It is safe to say that Szczesny, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Song, Arteta and van Persie will fight for the shirt, it is up to the those around them to also win their duels.

I am already nervous, nervous for the team. A victory at Man City would give the team so much belief, so much confidence at such a crucial time. I hope we can do ourselves justice and take our chances when they come.

Let us prove the doubters wrong. COYG.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up