Man City vs Arsenal FA Cup preview: How to watch on TV, live stream, team news & prediction

The Premier League’s top two do battle for the first time this season as they meet in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night. 

Arsenal’s victory at third-tier outfit Oxford United set up this tie, with Man City thumping Chelsea 4-0 in the previous round. The two sides are yet to face off in the Premier League, with this cup tie serving as a prelude to their pair of league meetings during the second half of the season.

The Gunners currently sit five points clear of City at the top, but Pep Guardiola’s side have played a game more. However, the mood seems to be changing at the Etihad, with their 4-2 come-from-behind victory against Tottenham last Thursday potentially igniting their campaign.

Both teams will be expected to name strong starting XIs for what is the standout cup tie of the fourth round.

Man City vs Arsenal FA Cup preview: How to watch on TV, live stream, team news & prediction

Here’s our preview of Arsenal’s trip to the Etihad for this FA Cup fourth round clash on Friday night.

How to watch Man City vs Arsenal

When is kick-off? Friday 27 January

What time is kick-off? 20:00 (BST)

Where is it played? Etihad Stadium

TV channel/live stream? ITV1 (UK), ESPN+ (US)

Referee? Paul Tierney

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola’s team selections have raised plenty of eyebrows in recent weeks, but he’ll be expected to name a strong starting XI on Friday night.

Phil Foden is a doubt with a foot injury, but Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva are expected to start after they only made the bench in the 3-0 victory over Wolves.

Julian Alvarez could continue up front with Erling Haaland, while Stefan Ortega may replace Ederson in goal.

Arsenal Team News

Arteta will rotate his side for Friday’s game, but he’ll be expected to put a strong team out at the Etihad.

Matt Turner could replace Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks, while Takehiro Tomiyasu may come in for Ben White at right-back. In midfield, Thomas Partey will probably retain his place at the base of midfield with Mohamed Elneny out injured, while Emile Smith Rowe is poised to make his first start of the season.

Leandro Trossard is a sure bet to make his first Arsenal start down the left with Fabio Vieira functioning off the right.

Man City vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups

Man City: Ortega; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Ake; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Haaland, Alvarez.

Arsenal: Turner; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Smith Rowe; Trossard, Nketiah, Vieira.

Man City’s Recent Form

Man City 3-0 Wolves (22/01) – Premier League

Man City 4-2 Tottenham (19/01) – Premier League

Man Utd 2-1 Man City (14/01) – Premier League

Southampton 2-0 Man City (11/01) – Carabao Cup

Man City 4-0 Chelsea (08/01) – FA Cup

Arsenal’s Recent Form

Arsenal 3-2 Man Utd (22/01) – Premier League

Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal (15/01) – Premier League

Oxford Utd 0-3 Arsenal (09/01) – FA Cup

Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle (03/01) – Premier League

Brighton 2-4 Arsenal (31/12) – Premier League

Prediction

Friday’s scoreline is dependent on how strong Arteta’s starting XI is. The Gunners’ second-string players will struggle at the Etihad, but I expect many of Arsenal’s first team to play.

Thus, a hugely competitive cup tie is in prospect, but City certainly have the edge despite the visitors’ imperious run of form. Guardiola is trying his utmost to maximise the potential of his squad, and it feels like his side are arriving at a point where they’re about to turn it on.

While Arsenal certainly have the capacity to go into the Etihad and win, I think this will be a bridge too far from Arteta’s men.

Prediction: Man City 3-1 Arsenal