Arsenal is set to face Middlesbrough in the Premier League this Saturday as they look to tighten their grip on the top position in the Premier League.
The Gunners are in spectacular form as they have now won six Premier League games in a row and have demolished Bulgarian champions Ludogorets 6-0 in Champions League this week.
Arsenal has only lost one match in the entire season so far on an opening day to Liverpool and have improved tremendously since then as they remain unbeaten since the 4-3 defeat to the Reds. They have managed an impressive nine wins and 2 draws over their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Arsene Wenger has clearly turned the tables around after a poor start to the season where Arsenal have managed only one point in the league after two games. With both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur currently in the lack of form, Arsenal will eye the top spot considering their hot streak that has been going for the last two months.
Manchester City who has claimed six wins in first six league games have seen a huge dip of form both in Premier League as well as Champions League while Spurs who are the only unbeaten team in the league are still trying to be more consistent in winning.
The Gunners go into the match as clear favorites as Middlesbrough are in very poor form off late. The newly promoted side is currently in the relegation battle as they are in 17th position in the league and will look to take anything from the match as the Gunners are expected to win with their current run of form.
Team News:
The Gunners will not have Xhaka for the game as the Swiss international is set for a three-match ban domestically. However, Cazorla who has taken a knock against Ludogorets might be given rest.
While long-term absentees Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck (both knee) will be missing whereas Olivier Giroud (toe), Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) are expected to continue their rehabilitation.
What did the managers say?
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Middlesbrough: “If you look at the quality of their games away from home, they have done quite well.
“Away from home they have done extremely well, they play, they are not afraid to take responsibilities in their game and they are a team who is good going forward and looks like they can score goals. We will need a good defensive performance.”
Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka: “For me, I don’t care because I want to be in this position in May.
“We are in the Premier League now and if in May we finish 17th, I will be really, really pleased.”
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Middlesbrough
Kick-off time: 19:30 IST (Septemeber 22, 2016)