One of those games could prove or disprove two colliding theories in the game as a whole: breed a team that grows up together or throw money at a motley crew of supposed galacticos? Arsenal and Man City.

This game is the biggest of the first half of the season for both clubs. And though it won’t truly quiet Arsene Wenger’s critics or Hughes and his band of money whores, it will set a tone for the rest of the season. The pressure is more on Arsenal than ever.. It’s a game where the very structure the club is built on under Wenger can crumble, a test of true good versus evil. Young bright talent bred to play together as the game intended. Or money hungry hippos.

It’s time for Arsenal to put their motto,Victoria Concordia Crescit (Victory Comes From Harmony), and test their mettle. Prepare for a rough affair and maybe even a rougher one without Arshavin. The tricky Russian yanked his groin so he’s probably out.

Even still, I look for Arsenal to pull this one out and chalk a win in the books. Begrudgingly, I predict Adebayor puts one past Almunia. But I also predict he later takes a Danish fist in the cakehole from Bendtner. Fingers crossed.

2 – 1 Arsenal