Football
Manchester City Vs Arsenal Team News And Predicted Lineups As Title Rivals Get Set For Etihad Extravaganza
Sunday’s showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal headlines this weekend’s Premier League action as the title rivals go toe-to-toe at the Etihad.
Both sides go into the GW5 extravaganza having fired blanks in the UEFA Champions League in midweek. However, one will need to land a knockout blow in what could prove pivotal come the end of the season.
Man City were held to a goalless draw at home to Inter on Wednesday night. The Gunners had the same outcome against Atalanta on Thursday, with David Raya’s heroics salvaging a point in Italy.
Nonetheless, many will be expecting more attacking intent from both sides with three valuable points up for grabs. With that said, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Mikel Arteta’s side try to frustrate the champions.
That is exactly what happened in the reverse fixture last season. A goalless draw ultimately benefited the Cityzens who went on to claim their fourth successive Premier League title.
The north Londoners haven’t tasted victory at the home of the champions since 2015, when Arsene Wenger was still manager. Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud netted in a 2-0 victory.
In recent years, City have been formidable against the Gunners. They have won 12 of the last 14 league meetings with the only blemishes coming last season.
Scroll down for the Manchester City vs Arsenal team news and predicted lineups ahead of Sunday’s clash – which the best football betting sites in the UK make City the match favourites.
Time to show what we're capable of 👊 pic.twitter.com/k6yrdKHKzL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 20, 2024
RELATED: Man City Vs Arsenal Head-To-Head Stats Unearth A Nine Year Trend Gunners Must Overcome
Manchester City Team News
Kevin de Bruyne is likely to miss out for Manchester City after suffering a groin injury against Inter. Manager Pep Guardiola was quizzed on his chances in the press conference leading up to the visit of Arsenal.
Naturally, the Spaniard remained coy and didn’t give anything away. Nonetheless, Phil Foden is fit again and is waiting in the wings just in case. Which isn’t a bad replacement.
Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are definitely out but Kyle Walker could be drafted in to stop the Gunners attacking threat down the left.
Arsenal Team News
Captain and chief playmaker Martin Odegaard won’t be showcasing his talents at the Etihad after suffering an ankle injury whilst on international duty.
Declan Rice will make his first Premier League appearance since his dubious red card against Brighton in August. Leandro Trossard is expected to keep his place with former City star Raheem Sterling set for the bench.
Mikel Merino (shoulder), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) are all missing. However, summer-signing Riccardo Calafiori could feature.
Manchester City Vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri; Savinho, Silva, Foden; Haaland
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Trossard