Broken Arsenal face Man City mauling as title race hots up

Premier League preview: Liverpool could go top this weekend, but only if Chelsea falter against Palace

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THE title run-in has begun and, like long-distance runners approaching the bell, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City have started to up their speed, leaving pacemakers Arsenal floundering.

The Gunners were broken last weekend by Chelsea, pushed around by Swansea in midweek, and now it is the turn of Man City, who will be hoping to twist the knife at the Emirates. League leaders Chelsea have, on paper, the easiest task. They make the short trip south of the Thames to Crystal Palace, while Liverpool welcome Tottenham to Anfield. Last week's goal haul of 42 in ten games was almost a record, and with goal difference likely to play a part in the title race, the European places and relegation there will be plenty more attacking football to look forward to this weekend. Here's the best of the weekend action: Arsenal v Man CityA few weeks ago this game looked like a potential title decider, but now the outcome might not be as significant as it once appeared. Arsenal are only a few points off the pace but they are a spent force and are out of the title race after a disastrous week. On the other hand Man City will still be in the mix whatever the result at the Emirates. A win for Manuel Pellegrini's team would establish them as title favourites, but thanks to the two games they have in hand over Chelsea and Liverpool, a loss would not be fatal to their ambitions. That said, an Arsenal win would be a big surprise given the way things have been going for the two clubs. Arsenal's confidence was shattered by Chelsea last weekend and the Emirates injury crisis leaves them looking vulnerable. City, on the other hand, will be buzzing after a convincing derby win at Old Trafford. A look at the forward lines tells its own story. Arsenal will rely on top scorer Olivier Giroud for their goals, City, whose main striker Sergio Aguero is out injured, have Edin Dzeko, Jesus Navas and Yaya Toure to turn to. To make matters worse, the Gunners will be without defender Laurent Koscielny.

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