Manchester City will host Arsenal on Sunday afternoon in a crucial Premier League fixture that could have significant implications for the early stages of the season. The two teams have been title contenders in recent years, with Manchester City and Arsenal battling it out for the top spot in the last two campaigns. City and Arsenal are currently separated by just two points in the table, making this encounter even more important.
Both teams come into the match on the back of midweek European games. Manchester City played against Inter Milan, the team they defeated in the 2023 Champions League final. However, their meeting in this season’s European competition ended in a 1-1 draw, with Ilkay Gundogan missing key chances in the dying moments. Arsenal, on the other hand, faced Atalanta in Italy, also ending the game in a draw, helped by an outstanding double save from goalkeeper David Raya.
In the Premier League, both sides have made excellent starts to the season. Manchester City remains unbeaten, while Arsenal has only dropped two points in their most recent outing. The match, scheduled for 16:30 (UK) at the Etihad Stadium, promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the league’s top teams.
In terms of team news, Manchester City could see Kevin De Bruyne return to action after being substituted against Inter Milan due to a knock. Phil Foden, who missed the start of the season due to illness, is also available. Meanwhile, Arsenal will be without several key players, including captain Martin Ødegaard and defensive options Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney. However, Declan Rice will be back in action following a one-match suspension.
Historically, Manchester City has dominated recent home encounters against Arsenal, remaining unbeaten in their last nine Premier League home games. However, Arsenal did manage to take points off City last season, securing a win and a draw in their meetings.
For those looking to watch, the match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and in the United States on USA Network.
