Thomas Vermaelen confident of beating Manchester City

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has declared that his side are quietly confident of beating Manchester City tomorrow afternoon.

The Gunners take on City to start a run of matches which includes four of their next five league games at the Emirates.

Vermaelen feels that a victory against the reigning champions can provide the boost Arsenal need to climb back into the Champions League qualifying places.

He told the club's matchday programme: "Looking back at the last few years, it's always a tight game when they come to Emirates and I suspect it will be similar on Sunday afternoon.

"We played well against them here last season though, winning 1-0 and having the chances to score three or four, and can also be encouraged by our draw up there a few months ago.

"They have some great players and are champions for a reason, but we're confident we can get the result we need to set us up nicely for the next few weeks."

Arsene Wenger's side currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, four points adrift of Chelsea in fourth place.