Both teams return to domestic action after goalless draws in the Champions League. Manchester City were held by Inter Milan, while Arsenal needed some David Raya heroics to secure a point against Atalanta.
Just over a year ago, Rodri’s crucial goal helped City beat Inter and claim their long-awaited Champions League title, but this time, neither Rodri nor Erling Haaland could break down Inter’s stubborn defense.
City’s European campaign opened with a frustrating stalemate against their 2023 final opponents, as they failed to capitalize on chances, including a missed header from Ilkay Gundogan. That result ended their perfect start to the season, but their 100% Premier League record is still intact after Haaland’s dramatic comeback goal against Brentford last weekend.
Haaland, now with nine goals in just four games, broke Wayne Rooney’s record for the fastest start to a Premier League season. Despite personal tragedy with the loss of a close family member, Haaland powered through to respond to Yoane Wissa’s early goal, keeping City two points clear at the top of the table.
City’s winning streak in the league now stands at an impressive 13 games, and they could become the first team in English football history to win their first five games in five different seasons. However, their last league slip-up came against none other than Arsenal.
A day after City’s stalemate, Arsenal had a similar fate against Italian opposition. Despite not scoring, Mikel Arteta’s side had goalkeeper David Raya to thank for an outstanding penalty save and rebound denial, securing a hard-earned point against Atalanta. Both Arteta and pundit Robbie Savage called it one of the best saves they’d ever seen.
While Arsenal’s performance against a strong Atalanta side was commendable, they rarely looked like scoring without Martin Odegaard. Their recent win over Tottenham in the North London derby, thanks to Gabriel Magalhaes’ goal from a set piece, keeps them second in the standings, ahead of Newcastle on goal difference.
Arsenal have shown a knack for gritty away performances, and they now have a chance to make Premier League history by going 12 consecutive away games without falling behind. Their last league visit to the Etihad ended in a goalless draw in April, and before that, a deflected Gabriel Martinelli goal secured a rare 1-0 win for Arsenal at the Emirates. However, Arsenal haven’t won at the Etihad since January 2015 under Arsene Wenger.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
In a frustrating turn of events for both teams, Manchester City and Arsenal are set to be without their star playmakers for Sunday’s big match. City are unlikely to risk Kevin De Bruyne, who is dealing with a groin injury picked up during the Champions League.While Pep Guardiola didn’t officially rule De Bruyne out in his press conference, he was also noncommittal, a habit his former assistant Mikel Arteta seems to have adopted. De Bruyne’s absence isn’t expected to be long-term, but Guardiola won’t take any chances, especially with a fully fit Phil Foden ready to step in. Foden is expected to make his first start of the season in De Bruyne’s place.
City also have Nathan Ake (thigh) and Oscar Bobb (leg) sidelined, but Foden may not be the only Englishman returning to the starting lineup. Kyle Walker could be tasked with keeping Arsenal’s left-winger under control.
On the Arsenal side, captain Martin Odegaard will also miss out, as Arteta confirmed the midfielder’s ankle injury will keep him out "for a while" after their draw with Atalanta. Odegaard joins a growing list of Arsenal injuries, which includes Mikel Merino (shoulder), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), and Kieran Tierney (hamstring).
Despite knocks, Riccardo Calafiori and Bukayo Saka both featured against Atalanta, and Declan Rice also returned from suspension. Up front, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli struggled to make an impact midweek, which could open the door for former City star Raheem Sterling to make his first Arsenal start at his old home. However, Leandro Trossard still seems to be Arteta’s preferred option for now, keeping Sterling on the bench.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri; Savinho, Silva, Foden; Haaland
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
Given both teams’ lackluster performances in midweek, the absences of key playmakers Kevin De Bruyne and Martin Odegaard, and the rather uneventful meetings between them last season, some fans might already be bracing for a dull encounter on Sunday.
Sadly, that seems like a real possibility. While Haaland has been unstoppable in the Premier League, Arsenal's defense is among the best in the world right now, making another 0-0 draw feel almost inevitable.
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