Both teams had midweek matches in the Champions League, with Arsenal losing 2-1 to Lens and Manchester City securing a late 3-1 victory against RB Leipzig. Arsenal's unbeaten streak came to an end in France, where former Man City striker Gabriel Jesus capitalized on a defensive mistake to put the Gunners ahead. However, a poor clearance by David Raya allowed Adrien Thomasson to score a beautiful equalizer before Elye Wahi found the net, sending Arsenal home empty-handed.
Arsenal faced challenging weather conditions in North London, delaying their flight, but manager Arteta refused to use it as an excuse for their lackluster performance. The night also saw Bukayo Saka suffer a first-half injury, making it a nightmarish evening for the Gunners.
Despite these setbacks, Arsenal currently sits in third place in the Premier League, with only Tottenham Hotspur matching their unbeaten status this season. Their recent 4-0 victory over Bournemouth has solidified their position.
In Premier League home matches this season, Arsenal has only been defeated twice and has consistently scored at least two goals at the Emirates. However, they are still waiting for their first clean sheet at home this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester City also faced challenges in the Champions League, with Leipzig's Lois Openda canceling out Phil Foden's opener. Nevertheless, City managed to secure a 3-1 win, ending a streak of away defeats against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Cup and Premier League.
As Sunday approaches, City may lose their top spot in the league to Tottenham Hotspur if Spurs win against Luton Town. While Arsenal has known defensive issues at home, Manchester City has only kept four clean sheets on the road in 2023.
Arsenal recently ended their losing streak against Manchester City by winning on penalties in the Community Shield, but they have lost their last 12 top-flight matches against City, marking their longest-ever losing streak against a single opponent in league history.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
After hobbling off the field during matches against Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur, Arteta's decision to start Saka in Tuesday's loss raised eyebrows. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a questionable move as the 22-year-old suffered a hamstring injury early in the game.As of now, there's no official word on the seriousness of Saka's injury. Surprisingly, he has been included in Gareth Southgate's recent England squad, and Arteta has mentioned that Saka is "in contention" to play. It's uncertain whether this is simply a strategic move by the Arsenal manager.
With this uncertainty around Saka's availability, Fabio Vieira, who scored the winning penalty against Man City in the Community Shield, might get the opportunity to replicate his Wembley heroics. However, Gabriel Martinelli is uncertain due to his own hamstring issue, and Jurrien Timber is sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
Arsenal fans received a boost when Rodri was suspended for three matches after an incident involving Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White. He will serve the final game of his domestic suspension at the Emirates. Kevin De Bruyne, who has often been a thorn in Arsenal's side, will miss the crucial match due to a severe hamstring injury. John Stones, despite making the bench in a recent European match following his hip injury recovery, is not available for selection.
Rico Lewis showcased his talent at the Red Bull Arena during the week, but the 18-year-old's position may be contested by Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic. Additionally, Alvarez is set to return in the attacking third after an inspiring second-half performance in the midweek match.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Vieira, Nketiah, Jesus
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester City
In the recent match against Lens, Arsenal struggled to generate attacking ideas in the absence of Saka. Their recurring defensive issues at home have been a concern, and this might provide Guardiola with an opportunity to turn the tables and avenge their loss in the Community Shield back in August, once again getting the better of his former protege, Arteta.
