This Sunday afternoon, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in a highly anticipated Premier League showdown. If the reigning champions secure a victory at the Emirates Stadium, they will close the gap to just three points behind The Gunners—a remarkable turnaround given their struggles earlier in the season.
Arsenal vs Manchester City Match Preview
The Gunners, once seen as the team most likely to capitalize on any slip-ups from Manchester City this season, now find themselves in a precarious position. A loss to Guardiola’s side could effectively end their title hopes. However, the Gunners have regained their footing in the Premier League after a sluggish start to 2025. Their most recent victory, a hard-fought 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, came despite a controversial red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly, which has since been overturned. Riccardo Calafiori’s stunning strike sealed the three points.
Arsenal‘s home form has been impeccable this season, as they remain the only Premier League team unbeaten at home in 2024-25. Since gameweek 11, they have amassed an impressive 29 points, more than any other team in the league. Their midweek Champions League victory over Girona, though nervy at times, ensured their automatic progression to the last 16. After a shaky start that saw Arnaut Danjuma capitalize on a goalkeeping error by debutant Neto, The Gunners rallied with a Jorginho penalty and a superb finish from Ethan Nwaneri to secure a 2-1 win.
While Gunners can look forward to a 10-day break in February—possibly in their favored Dubai retreat—Manchester City face a daunting Champions League playoff against Real Madrid. Guardiola’s side narrowly avoided an embarrassing group-stage exit with a second-half comeback against Club Brugge on Wednesday, ensuring their place in the knockout rounds.
Before their European clash with Real Madrid, Guardiola must first contend with his former protégé, Arteta. Manchester City have shown signs of returning to their best form in the Premier League, going unbeaten in their last six matches. Their recent 3-1 comeback victory over Chelsea highlighted their resilience, and they currently sit comfortably in the top four. Historically, City have been dominant in the second half of the season, losing just one of their last 40 Premier League matches played between January and May.
However, The Gunners have proven to be a tough opponent for City in recent encounters. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last three league games against the champions, including a memorable 1-0 win at the Emirates in 2023, courtesy of a deflected Gabriel Martinelli goal. This Sunday’s clash promises to be another thrilling chapter in this growing rivalry.
Head-to-Head record
| Date | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Sep 2024 | Man City 2-2 Arsenal | Premier League |
| 31 Mar 2024 | Man City 0-0 Arsenal | Premier League |
| 8 Oct 2023 | Arsenal 1-0 Man City | Premier League |
| 6 Aug 2023 | Arsenal 1-1 (4-1p) Man City | Community Shield |
| 26 Apr 2023 | Man City 4-1 Arsenal | Premier League |
Team News
Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, David Raya, was unexpectedly absent from the midweek victory over Girona and remains a doubt for Sunday’s clash. Manager Mikel Arteta revealed that the Spaniard is dealing with a muscular issue and is not guaranteed to feature. Additionally, Arteta confirmed that Ben White (knee) will not recover in time for the match, while Gabriel Jesus (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) remain sidelined.
On a positive note, Lewis-Skelly is now available for selection after an independent panel overturned his red card from the Wolves match. Meanwhile, Ethan Nwaneri, who scored a brilliant goal in the Champions League, could earn a starting spot following his impressive performance.
For Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that none of his injured players will return in time for Sunday’s game. Key absentees include Rodri (knee), Oscar Bobb (leg), Ruben Dias (groin), Jeremy Doku (unspecified), and Nathan Ake (muscle). However, the Cityzens will welcome back three players to the squad: Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis, all of whom were ineligible for the Champions League match against Club Brugge.
While Marmoush is expected to start, Khusanov’s disastrous debut against Chelsea may lead Guardiola to hesitate before fielding him in such a high-stakes match against The Gunners.
Arsenal Possible Starting Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defenders: Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice
- Forwards: Ethan Nwaneri, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli
Manchester City Possible Starting Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Joško Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovačić, Kevin De Bruyne
- Forwards: Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush
Prediction Of The Match:
Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City
This clash promises to be a high-stakes, tightly contested battle between two Premier League giants. The Gunners’s strong home form and attacking flair will be tested by Manchester City’s relentless pressure and clinical finishing. Expect goals from both sides, with moments of individual brilliance and tactical mastery.
