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Gunnersphere talks Arsenal v Man City with Bluemoon

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The EmiratesArsenal host Manchester City on Saturday midday and I got in touch with Blues fan Ric Turner from the Bluemoon blog to get his views on the upcoming clash:

1. Are you happy with what Manuel Pellegrini did during the summer transfer window (ins and outs)?

Overall I was very pleased with the business done by Pellegrini and Txiki Begiristain this summer. Obviously we were severely hampered by the “fair” play restrictions, but we were able to address the most pressing issues in the squad and have a stronger group than last season as a result. Bacary Sagna provides much needed support for Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando is an upgrade on Javi Garcia, and Willy Caballero will gives Joe Hart some serious competition. We’re hoping that Eliaquim Mangala will be the world class centre half partner that Vincent Kompany deserves.

The sale of Alvaro Negredo on the final day of the window was strange, as we didn’t have a replacement lined up. £24m is a decent fee considering his age and the fact he is injured, but he was exceptional for us in the first half of last season and his goals will be missed. It certainly represents a risk given the injury records of Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic.

2. Are you happy with the start you have made this season?

I was, until the defeat against Stoke! We’d looked good in parts against Newcastle and Liverpool, securing six points from two difficult fixtures, without ever really hitting our stride. Given the tough run of fixtures we have coming up; losing to Stoke was a pretty bad result and gives us less margin for error.

3. What are you expectations this season?

I expect to see us challenge for the league once again, and hope we can mount a successful defence of our title. Progression past the group stages of the Champions League is the aim too, although we’ve had a tough draw again.

4. Do you see Arsenal as serious title contenders for your Premier League title this season?

Arsenal have strengthened well, and the Alexis Sanchez signing is a real coup. Having a fully fit Aaron Ramsey also puts you in a better position than last year, but I still think you lack depth in central defence and up front. I’m sure you’ll finish in the top four though.

5. Who would you say is your best player at your club?

David Silva is probably the best player I’ve ever seen in a Blue shirt (I’m too young to remember the halcyon days of Bell, Lee and Summerbee). His touch and awareness are superb, and he’s integral to the way we play.

6. Where do you think the game will be won/lost for City?

I think it could be a good time for you to play us. In the space of 8 days we have to play at The Emirates, away at Bayern and home to Chelsea. This means there will inevitably be some rotation, and there are injury doubts over a few key players such as Jovetic, Zabaleta, Kompany and Fernando.

7. Who are you most wary of in the Arsenal team?

Ramsey is always a threat, and Sanchez can hurt us with his pace (particularly if Aleksandar Kolarov starts at left back). There’s a depressing inevitably that Danny Welbeck will score too.

8. Who do you think City’s danger men will be and why?

Silva and Aguero are our most potent attacking players, and also Yaya Toure if he’s in the mood. You can never tell which Yaya is going to turn up though.

9. Can we get a score prediction from you?

I’d happily take a point now if offered it. I’ll go for 1-1.

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