Analysis: Five key factors that could decide Arsenal Vs Manchester City

The defending champions will be looking to carry on the momentum from their Community Shield victory over Chelsea.

The Premier League has just begun and we already have a high-voltage encounter scheduled between Arsenal and Manchester City in Gameweek 1. The defending champions will be looking to start their campaign with a bang. Meanwhile, the Gunners will look to kick-start the post-Wenger era on a good note.

There is a high probability of the match being filled with goals, which could be determined by a few factors that can affect the performances of both the teams. Here they are:

5. Kevin de Bruyne's presence or absence will play a key role

Kevin De Bruyne is unlikely to feature in the game. Even if he does, it will mostly be from the bench. However, it would be interesting to see how the Citizens would perform without his presence.

The Belgian was the central axis of the City team that won the title last year, dominating other midfielders with his sheer technicality, on and off the ball. They did manage to win the Community Shield without him, but the Premier League is a completely different animal. The City midfielders will need to adapt and find another outlet to successfully entrap Arsenal. If they do, the match is theirs for the taking.

4. Unai Emery and his tactical approach

To succeed a club icon and legend is no small thing. Just ask David Moyes. It comes with immense pressure, careful scrutinization and unkind judgement and criticism. Unai Emery is no stranger to that. His tenure in Paris Saint-Germain was riddled with turmoil and questions.

At Arsenal, he has a shot at redemption. His main aim will be to bring the club back to the Champions League, en route to a title challenge. His tactical approach to the game and team selection will be crucial to the outcome. The defending champions will be a tough nut to crack for the former Sevilla manager and he will need himself and his team to be at the very best to pose a challenge to Pep Guardiola’s side.

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3. Bernardo Silva could be City's talisman

“Right now, it is Bernardo and 10 other players,” that’s what Guardiola had to say about his City squad after seeing Bernardo Silva’s performance in the Community Shield victory against Chelsea. The Portuguese midfielder had an amazing pre-season that culminated in a match-winning performance against the Blues last weekend. His intelligent display of football, which was termed a "masterpiece" by his Spanish manager, left Chelsea clueless.

The Citizens will no doubt need him to deliver against Arsenal, especially with De Bruyne unlikely to start. He will be given control of the midfield and given his immense talent; he would be expected to boss the middle of the park. After having spent most of last season on the bench, the former Monaco man will relish the opportunity to start.

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be key to Arsenal's success

Aubameyang’s move to Arsenal came with the promise of a brighter tomorrow. The Gabon striker did deliver scoring 10 goals and assisting four in 13 appearances, after his arrival halfway through last season. However, the Arsenal faithful will want more from him, especially against big teams.

The former Dortmund man had a spectacular pre-season, producing our goals and three assists in five matches. His pace is a very big threat and he is expected to link very well with Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. He also faces a City defense that has conceded in three of the four pre-season games they played. His influence on the game could determine the tie for Arsenal.

1. Arsenal's defense

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The last time both teams met at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners were thrashed soundly. Their defense had no answer to an incessant attack by the Blue Mancunians. With Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac injured, the situation looks even worse this time around. Thus, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi are most likely to start against City.

Mustafi comes into this game aiming for improvement. The error-prone defender looked out of his comfort zone on several occasions last season. Rob Holding is the other option in the centre-back position, but he has still not been able to impress with his performances. Sokratis, new to the Premier League, will have a very difficult first test.  It will require a complete performance from him and Mustafi to keep out the mean City attack.