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With a balanced schedule, there are no surprises - you know you’re playing each team twice, once at your stadium and once at theirs. The only variable, then, is the calendar - when do the big games show up? What are they close to? How does that affect the team’s chances?
Arsenal face arguably their biggest test of the season today, as they travel to Manchester to take on league-leading Manchester City. City, of course, are doing what they do - destroying teams and topping the table. They have an almost comical 29 GD after 10 games, and they’ve scored a dozen more than second-placed Manchester United (and almost twice as many as Arsenal).
Yeah, it’s a big job in front of Arsenal today. But let’s not forget that Arsenal beat City in the FA Cup semi final in April, so it’s not an impossible task. They’ll have to be focused for 90 minutes, and never let up, but it can be done. So, Arsenal, go do it.
WHAT: Manchester City v Arsenal, Etihad Stadium
WHEN: Sunday, November 5, 2:15 PM GMT | 9:15 AM EST | 6:15 AM PST (clocks go back on Saturday night in the US)
WATCH: NBCSN, NBC Live Extra
Outside of the US, check out livesoccer.tv for streaming options (please do not share any illegal streams here)
LINEUPS:
One hour to go - and that means it's time for team news
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 5, 2017
Here's how we line up for #MCFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/8WnNyOqnn2
Team News | Here we go! Your City XI for today!
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 5, 2017
Brought to you by @haysworldwide #cityvafc #mancity pic.twitter.com/UfpjsnZoNr