Arsenal star adamant on playing against Man City after returning to training

City could also be boosted by the return of Sergio Aguero from injury.

The Gunners will wait until the day of the game to see if the 26-year-old has recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City last month. Wenger says Ozil is one of the best creators in football but claims the playmaker’s hard work goes unnoticed.

Speaking to media on Friday, Wenger said, “It looks to be very tight”, as he commented on the developing title race. They did win the Premier League for the third time under his guidance, but their abysmal start to the season, with just 15 points in 16 matches (4 wins, 3 draws, 9 losses) was too much as the third year struggles that struck him during his Real Madrid tenure hit again.

“It is a massive game [on Monday]”. If you’re feeling confident and want to put the full £50 limit on each of the above bets then your winnings would come in at £320 should the results go your way, and what a Merry Christmas that would be!

Arsenal last met Barcelona in the second round of the Champions League in 2011.

There is, of course, Manchester City and Chelsea, our financially doped friends who are still alive and kicking in the Champions League. The German has 13 assists in the league alone, on track to break the Premier League record. “Sometimes it comes to my mind that it makes me just think that I missed him when he was at Rennes, and how that could have changed for us if we had signed him in that period”.

“When I saw Rijkaard entering the referee’s dressing room I couldn’t believe it. When Drogba was sent off I didn’t get surprised”.

But Wenger will be without Jack Wilshere (leg), Francis Coquelin, Danny Welbeck, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky (all knee).

The Arsenal boss also backed Manchester City counterpart Manuel Pellegrini to cope with the constant speculation linking Pep Guardiola with his job.

“Anything is possible this season because Arsenal have played well this season and are doing well”. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions with four wins including three on the spin. They last failed to score in four consecutive Premier League away games in February 2006.

Only three points separate Leicester, Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table and Wenger stressed how important it is for the Gunners to take points off their main rivals this season, starting with Manchester City on Monday night.