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Mikel Arteta returns to face his former club with Arsenal holding a narrow one-point lead over the reigning champions. However, they face a significant challenge in overcoming their nine-year winless streak at the Etihad. Liverpool's result earlier in the day could also impact the dynamics, potentially setting up a battle between the top two teams.
For Manchester City, anything less than a top-two finish would be a disappointment under Pep Guardiola, despite their impressive form in 2024. The dream of consecutive trebles remains alive for the English and European champions, who recently secured a place in the FA Cup semi-finals and await a crucial Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have been in scintillating form in 2024, boasting a perfect record of eight wins from eight Premier League matches. Their recent successes include a dramatic victory over Brentford and a thrilling Champions League triumph against Porto. They now aim to match a historic nine-game winning streak in the Premier League.
Despite Arsenal's recent victories over Manchester City, their record at the Etihad hasn't been favorable. However, they are determined to replicate past successes if they are to challenge for the Premier League title once again.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Both Guardiola and Arteta have been assessing the aftermath of the international break, a period marked by concerns from fans with every player withdrawal. Ahead of the game, Guardiola revealed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that England duo Kyle Walker and John Stones won't be available for Manchester City.However, there's positive news regarding Manuel Akanji's fitness after his withdrawal from Switzerland duty, and Ederson's condition has improved significantly, raising hopes for his return in goal.
While there's no update on Matheus Nunes' injury picked up during Portugal duty, Kevin De Bruyne, a thorn in Arsenal's side in past encounters, has been training well and is likely to feature. Jack Grealish is also back from injury but may start from the bench.
Arsenal also had their share of setbacks during the international break, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka withdrawing from their respective national teams due to injury.
Gabriel Martinelli, who scored against Manchester City earlier in the season, was already sidelined with a foot injury. However, Arteta remains hopeful that all three will recover in time to feature in the starting lineup.
Additionally, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey are expected to be fit after featuring in a friendly against Queens Park Rangers during the break. The only potential absentee for Arsenal is Jurrien Timber, who is recovering from an ACL injury but is on track to return before the end of the season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Ake; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Doku
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
Sunday's enticing matchup features Arsenal, who have been unstoppable with a perfect Premier League record in 2024, against Manchester City, who haven't tasted defeat at home in an impressive 16 months.
The potential absence of Walker and Stones, as hinted by Guardiola, could pave the way for Martinelli to make an impact at the Etihad Stadium, provided he's fit. Arsenal fans will hope to avoid their customary defeat at the Etihad this weekend.
However, with Manchester City's formidable home record, a draw appears to be the most probable outcome for Sunday's headline fixture, or a narrow defeat. Although a draw would likely be more satisfying for the Arsenal supporters than for the home crowd at the Etihad.
