Gunners double as Pep pushes for top four

MANCHESTER City begin a season-shaping month with the first of two crucial clashes against Arsenal.

City travel to the Emirates Stadium today to take on one of their rivals for a place in the Premier League top four. They will face the Gunners again in three weeks’ time in the FA Cup semi-finals.

They have another tough trip to London to play leaders Chelsea on Wednesday, while a rearranged derby against Manchester United and games with Hull, Southampton and Middlesbrough also take place this month.

With the title seemingly out of reach, the battle for Champions League qualification has become the main aim, with the FA Cup offering the chance to add gloss to the campaign.

Arsenal will view the remainder of the season in much the same way and City boss Pep Guardiola recognises the importance of the two games between the clubs.

Guardiola said: “All the games are not easy, but of course we now have important games for our target in the Premier League and one to achieve the cup final.

“Everybody knows them – good quality in the middle, good quality in the sides with Alexis (Sanchez) going inside, runs in behind with (Theo) Walcott, (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain. Good quality. Arsenal are a top team.”

Form is not on Arsenal’s side, with Arsene Wenger’s men having lost four of their last five Premier League games to slip out of the top four and seven points behind City. Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, have gone seven defeated in the competition.

City, however, have a dismal record at Arsenal having won just once in their last 19 Premier League visits to Highbury or the Emirates.

Guardiola said: “It is a little bit like at Anfield. It is a long time since we won there.

“I know how difficult it will be, but of course we have a good chance to make a step forward.”

City have forwards Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling available after overcoming injuries suffered on international duty.