Arsenal produced a powerful second-half performance to claim three points against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, while City celebrated a comfortable home victory over Italian champions Napoli at the Etihad on Thursday.
Arsenal, who thrilled fans with a Champions League semi-final run last season, kicked off their new European campaign in style at San Mames. Two substitutes came to the rescue to secure all three points, underlining the growing depth of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The competition for attacking spots has only intensified since the £67.5m signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. Both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard strengthened their cases for more game time by coming off the bench to score in Spain.
Back in domestic action, Arsenal enter the weekend sitting second in the table. They trail only Liverpool, who have won every game under new boss Arne Slot. The Gunners have three wins from four league matches and have looked especially strong at the Emirates, thrashing Leeds United 5-0 in late August and following that up with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
After finishing as runners-up in each of the last three seasons, Arsenal’s supporters are desperate to see Arteta’s progress rewarded with silverware. Encouragingly for them, the Gunners are unbeaten in their last five meetings with City across all competitions.
On the other side, Manchester City endured a shaky start to the campaign, losing two of their first three matches. But Pep Guardiola’s side look to be back in rhythm since the international break. They brushed aside Manchester United 3-0 in last weekend’s derby thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, and followed up with a routine 2-0 victory over Napoli in Europe.
Haaland has already scored six times in five appearances this season and seems to be regaining his unstoppable form. He has found the net in each of his last two league games against Arsenal and will be hungry to extend that streak.
City once held a dominant record over Arsenal, winning eight straight meetings between 2020 and 2023. But with Arsenal now unbeaten in five straight against Guardiola’s team, it feels as though the balance of power at the very top of English football may be beginning to shift.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Eberechi Eze endured a difficult Champions League debut on Tuesday night and could find himself dropped to the bench this weekend if Mikel Arteta cannot fit him into a midfield role.Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both produced two goal contributions at San Mames and are now competing for Arteta’s trust on the left flank ahead of this crucial Premier League title clash.
On the opposite side, Bukayo Saka remains unavailable through injury, which should give Noni Madueke another chance to continue his impressive start to the campaign.
Martin Odegaard is still a doubt as he struggles with a recurring shoulder issue, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz remain long-term absentees with knee injuries.
For Manchester City, there is positive news at the back, with John Stones close to returning after a spell on the sidelines with muscular discomfort.
City have leaned heavily on Erling Haaland and Phil Foden for goals in recent weeks, as several new signings remain in the treatment room. Rayan Cherki is sidelined with a muscle problem, Omar Marmoush is recovering from a knee injury, and Rayan Ait-Nouri is also unavailable.
With Ait-Nouri out, young Nico O’Reilly is expected to continue at left back for the visitors.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Rodri, Silva, Reijnders; Foden, Haaland, Doku
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City
Arsenal have shown very few weaknesses at the Emirates or on the road this season, and even without key figures like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard they will believe they can deliver a statement victory.
In a shift from recent years, it now feels as though it is Manchester City’s title credentials under the spotlight in North London, where Arsenal will look to extend their impressive run against Pep Guardiola’s side.
