Manchester City take on Arsenal in a potential title decider at the Etihad, with both sets of managers eager to gain momentum.
Right before the international break, Manchester City, who face Arsenal this weekend, survived the ordeal of the Anfield washing machine, where they must have felt lucky to come away with a point. Pep Guardiola must have felt confident about the way his side played in the first half and took a deserved lead, but things changed dramatically in the second period.
That result kept Manchester City in third, just a point away from leaders Arsenal and Liverpool, both of whom are level on points with the Gunners ahead on goal difference. Guardiola’s side has not been at their efficient best this season, but they are still unbeaten in 22 games in all competitions since a defeat to Aston Villa in December.
Now, Guardiola faces his former pupil, Mikel Arteta, as the two Spaniards go head to head in one of the most important clashes of this season. Manchester City will leapfrog the Gunners with a win, although a draw would hand Liverpool the advantage, should the Merseysiders manage to overcome Brighton earlier on Sunday.
Arsenal may come into this clash at the Etihad under more pressure than Manchester City, although they still have form on their side. Arteta’s men won eight straight games before the international break, and it has now come to a point in their season that they must win every match to give themselves the best chance to challenge for the title.
Arsenal were the benefactor of the draw between Liverpool and City earlier in the month, which took them to the top. Arteta marshalled a 2-1 home win over Brentford, courtesy of a late Kai Havertz winner, which took them to the summit, where they currently lead Liverpool on goal difference.
Arsenal enter this match-up with the need to get a win and remain firmly in contention for the title. A win at the Etihad, a throwback to a classic nearly a decade ago, will be a welcome boost to their chances, although theoretically, a loss or a draw would not mean they are out of it in any way. Either way, this clash is crucial for the Gunners and their manager, with the fans thoroughly hoping their side triumph on enemy territory.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester City
The international break provided anxious movements for Manchester City fans after a few of their notable stars pulled out of their national team camps early on. For instance, Manuel Akanji and Matheus Nunes picked up knocks during their games, although they are considered in contention to face Arsenal.
Ederson remains sidelined as he has still not recovered from the injury sustained against Liverpool. The big update about key defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones was confirmed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on Friday, with the England international duo missing the Arsenal game.
Walker limped off early on against Brazil, while Stones went off in the first half against Belgium. Guardiola has confirmed they will play no part on Sunday and might miss a few games from here on. Kevin De Bruyne also remains a doubt after a groin issue prevented him from joining the Belgian camp, but the playmaker is expected to feature against Arsenal.
Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku are all expected to feature in the attacking third alongside De Bruyne. Bernardo Silva might partner Rodri in midfield, while Akanji might replace Walker as the right-back, joining Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and Josko Gvardiol in the backline.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva; Foden, Haaland, Doku
Arsenal
The Gunners are also missing a few key players, as per the scenes before and during the international break. A host of players withdrew from national duties before the break, although they did not suffer any issues during the period, with all participants returning unscathed.
Gabriel Martinelli remains a doubt and has not featured since the win over Sheffield United, where he suffered a cut to his leg. MIkela Arteta has confirmed that the Brazilian, alongside compatriot Gabriel Magalhaes, will feature in the squad, which casts doubts on whether they will start.
Bukayo Saka withdrew from the England squad with a muscle problem, although the forward is likely to start on Sunday. There is a big chance for Gabriel Jesus, who did not take part in Brazil’s international games and chose to remain in London to get his fitness on track, to feature. The same goes for Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the pair part taking in a closed-door friendly during the break.
Jorginho might continue to remain in central midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, while Arteta will have to choose between Jesus and Leandro Trossard for the left wing. Kai Havertz will continue to lead the line, while Jakub Kiwior will continue at left-back for the Gunners.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Jesus
Key Stats
- Manchester City have won their last eight home games against Arsenal in all competitions.
- Manchester City are unbeaten in 22 games across all competitions.
- Manchester City scored 21 goals in their last seven Premier League games against Arsenal at the Etihad.
- Arsenal have won 8 Premier League games in a row.
- Arsenal have scored 17 and conceded zero goals in their last three Premier League away matches.
Player to Watch
Kai Havertz
The German forward has hit top form in recent weeks for Arsenal and took it to the German camp during the international break, netting against France. Arteta seemed to have solved the problem in the centre-forward position with the German, and it does appear he will continue to lead the line.
Havertz does provide an interesting option with his physicality and height, which could stretch the Manchester City defence. He also takes up dangerous positions, bringing about a sense of unpredictability in the final third. Moreover, he has a good record against Manchester City and also provided assistance to the Gabriel Martinelli winner in the reverse fixture.
Prediction
Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal
Manchester City have been dominant on Arsenal, especially at the Etihad, over the course of nearly a decade, and that might continue heading into Sunday. Pep Guardiola has struggled to cope against the Gunners in the two official games this season, which does indicate the potential of tight game at the Etihad.
Arsenal could look to take advantage of key absentees at Manchester City, and they are in the kind of form that could elevate their quality on Sunday. Hence, this game promises plenty of fireworks, although the two teams could share the spoils, with the Gunners likely to walk away happy with an all-important away point.
