Arsenal may not be favourites in the title race football betting, but not many pundits or experts are prepared to write Arsene Wenger's talented young side off just yet, despite the fact that in recent years the Gunners' hopes of winning the title have been almost entirely discounted by this stage of the campaign.

With the likes of Wilshere, Djourou and Song all starting to fulfil the immense potential that Wenger believed in to the point that he steadfastly avoided splashing the cash to bring in reinforcements to his squad, despite widespread criticism from pundits, experts, and even the most passionate of fans, the Arsenal manager is finally starting to see his team repay that faith.

The Gunners have, however, still shown a slightly vulnerable side in some of their big games, despite their comprehensive defeat of Chelsea at the Emirates, leaving Wenger hoping that he is correct to assert that his team can take advantage of the home games they have remaining against their main rivals for the title. Should Wenger's side manage to display the kind of performance that they achieved against Chelsea when they face the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, then we may yet see the biggest shock of the Premier League era, a Premier League triumph for Arsene Wenger's home-grown Arsenal side. The football predictions suggest tonight's game against Manchester City will be crucial for their ambitions.

However, with Wenger's side yet to lift a trophy of consequence since their 2005 FA Cup Final victory, their season may yet depend on their ability to capitalise firmly upon their tag of favourites to win the Carling Cup, a trophy that would perhaps give Wenger's side the belief required to win the Premier League.