Comfortably the clash of the season so far, Manchester City’s trip to Arsenal on Monday night will offer the clearest indication yet as to who could clinch the Premier League title come May.

We’re not halfway through the campaign yet, but – bar Leicester City – these two are the only sides who appear capable of stringing enough results together to top the division.

Here, Sportsmail looks at how Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini’s teams can kick on with victory at the Emirates. 

Arsenal are preparing to host Manchester City, with Mesut Ozil (left) and David Silva among the key players 

Arsenal

Fixture list

Very much dependent on away form with Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United and City all to play.

But for a setback at West Brom – losing 2-1 and Santi Cazorla missing a penalty – Wenger’s been good on the road this year. 

Eighteen goals away from home thus far is 11 more than City. Pick up results in those big fixtures and the home record should take care of itself during the second half of the season.

Aaron Ramsey (centre) celebrates a goal at Aston Villa as Arsenal kept up their impressive away form

With Chelsea out of the title race, Arsene Wenger knows this is the ideal opportunity for Premier League glory

January arrivals

Wenger has made no secret of the fact he wants new faces next month to help with a title tilt. Injuries have taken hold, as they always seem to do in north London, and a central midfielder must be close to the top of Wenger’s wishlist. 

PSG’s Adrien Rabiot has again been touting himself about for a move. The re-emergence of Joel Campbell has been a bonus but it will be interesting to see who Wenger lands in January.

PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot (centre) is keen to leave the club in January and could move to England

Injury returns 

Danny Welbeck will take his time on the treatment table to at least 10 months after Wenger confirmed he is out until February at the earliest. 

Jack Wilshere has another six weeks out as well, and hasn’t played all season after a ‘freak’ accident. No Cazorla either, or Francis Coquelin. 

Tomas Rosicky is back next month but there is very little cheer otherwise. At least Alexis Sanchez will run through walls, although he is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Danny Welbeck (centre) could make his long-awaited return in February to boost the Gunners

Jack Wilshere, who hasn’t played a game this season, still faces another six weeks out 

The signing of Petr Cech has proved shrewd, with Wenger pleased with the experience the keeper has brought

Previous title challenges

Arsenal’s last proper go at the title came two seasons ago, with Arsenal top on New Year’s Day. 

That had followed a minor blip pre-Christmas but the bid came crashing off the rails during a horrendous two-month spell from February. 

Nine games, two wins and four defeats ended all hope. In that time they plummeted from top to fifth, beneath Everton. Wenger quite rightly points out that there is more steel in this team and a calming influence in Petr Cech, which makes them far more resilient.

Manchester City

Fixture list

Will they struggle with two extra games at least in the Capital One Cup? Given the depth of their squad, it shouldn’t be a problem. 

Some challenging fixtures are coming up over the next six weeks – Watford and Leicester away, Everton and Crystal Palace at home. Come through those unscathed and City will find themselves in a very enviable position.

They haven’t really got a clutch of threatening fixtures consecutively either.

If City can get through their tough Christmas fixtures, they have an easy run of games ahead

January arrivals

Given the talk surrounding Manuel Pellegrini’s job it’s unlikely that City will sign anybody next month. 

There is an argument that they could do with a new central defender, midfielder and someone up front to provide cover for Sergio Aguero – the jury remains out on Wilfried Bony – but what they have is more than enough to win the title.

Manuel Pellegrini oversees training as his players prepare for their biggest game of the season

Wilfried Bony has yet to convince fans that he’s ready to step up in Sergio Aguero’s absence 

Injury returns

It’s all looking rather rosy on the injury front for Pellegrini. 

Vincent Kompany is nearing a return, Aguero should be back imminently, Pablo Zabaleta is edging closer and Fernando should soon be available. Samir Nasri is the only long-term absentee with a hamstring injury. 

Kompany will be absolutely key for City, who still look uncertain at the back without their skipper.

Vincent Kompany’s imminent return to the first team is a welcome boost for his manager Pellegrini

Previous title challenges

City are renowned for trying their best to mess things up from brilliant positions. 

There is the obvious stumble leading up to Aguero bailing Roberto Mancini out in 2012, while one win in four during March and April of the 2013-14 season meant Liverpool were in pole position to finish top – City’s 2-2 draw against Sunderland with five games remaining saw them six points behind the Reds with a game in hand. 

From there, though, they won the next five, Liverpool imploded, and  City lifted a second crown in three years.

City dramatically won the Premier League title back in 2012 after a last-gasp winner from Aguero