Mikael Silvestre claims Manchester City remain favourites for the league title
Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. The pair dived into the gripping three horse title race between Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. The Frenchmen also previewed Arsenal’s clash against Aston Villa this weekend who find themselves in a race for fourth with Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham.
City are still favourites despite sitting third in the league
As things stand, Arsenal find themselves top, level on points with Liverpool with Manchester City a point behind. It’s easily one of the most unpredictable and gripping title races in quite some time. Arsenal still have trips to Tottenham and Manchester United, whilst City still have to take on their bogey team in Tottenham. There are still points to be won and lost. Despite City currently sitting third in the league, Silvestre believes City are favourites to win the league.
“Looking at the form and the schedule going forward I would still say Manchester City are the favourites.”
“They have the upper hand and experience.”
“Arsenal can certainly drop points at Tottenham and Manchester United. They are difficult games to manoeuvre and they’re both big games.”
“Both teams are currently behind Arsenal but on their day over the course of a game, they can cause issues and Arsenal are capable of dropping points.”
Champions League chase could impact Premier League glory
Looking at the schedule for all three sides, everyone is seeking to see where the big three could end up dropping. Or which fixtures could impact their hunt for glory across all competitions. Silvestre points out the impact that the Champions League could have on both Arsenal and City, where both teams still have a lot to play for after their 2-2 draw and 3-3 draw respectively.
“City can drop points but at this stage of the season, I think it’s less likely for them to drop points.”
“I think they’ve got that ability to take control of games more than Arsenal and Liverpool do.”
“They can overcome Tottenham’s strengths and get the three points.”
“The Champions League and Europa League will impact how they both perform in the league but City have so much depth they can rotate.”
“They don’t have any major injuries so I believe they can cope with European football.”
“Liverpool less so. Right now the best team capable of competing on all fronts is City, Arsenal and then Liverpool.”
Is this Liverpool-City-Arsenal title race more exciting with Arsenal involved?
Generally speaking the Premier League has been a two horse race between Liverpool and Manchester City for quite some time. Whilst Arsenal pushed City for most of last season, it ended being a stroll to another league title for City. So, Is this three-horse race more exciting than Man City-Liverpool battling it out in the last few seasons?
“It’s also good to have more teams involved in the title race.”
“It’s very tight right now with only one point separating the top 3. It’s exciting for football fans. Even if it’s not your team in the title race it’s very entertaining.”
Arsenal have to approach every game wanting to win
Arsenal welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates this weekend. The Gunners lost at Villa Park the last time the two sides faced each other but Villa’s form has been far from consistent lately. Villa have won 2 of their last five across all competitions and have for now given up fourth to Ange Postecoglu’s Spurs. They will be as desperate as Arsenal to come away with three points this weekend.
“Arsenal will go for the win. They have no choice. Every game should be treated this way.”
“You can’t look at what others are doing. The race is on but the team have to look at themselves and I think Arsenal can do it step by step.”
“Approach the games with their game plan and they can continue winning games.”
Safer Gambling
At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.