Premier League fans will be rubbing their hands with excitement this weekend as Manchester City will square off with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The two sides are only separated by a single point and so both will be desperate to win the upcoming match.
Match Preview
Manchester City have been near perfect in 2024 as they have put together an incredible run of form.
Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t lost a game in the new year since the 1-0 reverse against Aston Villa in December.
However, their most recent top-flight fixture saw them playing out a 1-1 draw with Jurgen Klopp’s side in what was a defining game for Liverpool.
Given their recent record in Merseyside, a draw isn’t a poor result at all for Man City fans but they had the better chances and could easily have come away with a victory as well.
However, Manchester City returned to winning ways in the FA Cup before the international break as they cruised past Newcastle United to qualify for the semi-finals, thanks to a brace from Bernardo Silva.
On the other hand, Arsenal beat Porto on penalties to reach the Champions League quarter-finals in their most recent fixture.
David Raya was the shootout hero at the Emirates Stadium where he saved two of Porto’s four penalties to provide a vital contribution in their triumph.
Mikel Arteta’s side missed out on the Premier League title last season but they look intent on breaking their league trophy drought this campaign.
They have won eight top-flight matches on the trot, including their 3-1 success over Liverpool last month.
The Gunners were not at their best in their previous home league encounter with Brentford, but they managed to seal full points after Kai Havertz’s winning goal with four minutes remaining on the clock.
Team News
Manager Pep Guardiola is dealing with several injury concerns this weekend, with John Stones and Kyle Walker likely to miss due to fitness issues. Meanwhile, the availability of Ederson, Kevin de Bruyne and Manuel Akanji are also doubtful for the important clash.
As for the Gunners, Jurrien Timber will be absent as he continues to recover from a lengthy spell in the treatment room. Bukayo Saka pulled out of international duty with a minor injury but the 22-year-old is likely to be fit on Sunday in a positive Arsenal news.
Manchester City vs Arsenal potential line-ups
Manchester City: Stefan Ortega; Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake; Rodri, Mateo Kovacic; Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku; Erling Braut Haaland.
Arsenal: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Declan Rice, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz.
Manchester City vs Arsenal prediction
Both sides boast plenty of quality in their ranks and both are enjoying impressive run of form at the moment.
We are expecting a tight game at the Etihad on Sunday, but City’s superior attack should ultimately lead to a home victory.
Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
