Arsenal vs Manchester City preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

Here it is, Gooners, the one we’ve been waiting for.

Arsenal’s 2023/24 campaign started with a morale-boosting Community Shield triumph over Manchester City, and the Gunners remain unbeaten in the Premier League ahead of their first duel with Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens of the season.

The Gunners gave Pep’s all-conquering outfit a scare last season as they led the way at the top for much of 2022/23, but a late collapse combined with an imperious City finish handed the Manchester club their third-straight Premier League title.

Arsenal have ambitions of usurping City this term, but Guardiola’s outfit have shown at the start of the season they remain the Premier League’s supreme force – even if they were beaten by Wolves last weekend. The Gunners were also beaten in the lead-up to Sunday’s game as Lens came from behind to win 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Arsenal vs Manchester City preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

Here’s our preview of the monster duel between Arsenal and City this Sunday.

How to watch Arsenal vs Man City on TV

When is kick-off? Sunday 8 October

What time is kick-off? 16:30 (BST)

Where is it played? Emirates Stadium

TV channel/live stream? Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League (UK) / Peacock (US) / fuboTV (Canada)

Referee? Michael Oliver

Arsenal team news

It’s still unclear whether Bukayo Saka will be fit to play after he tweaked his hamstring in midweek. While he’s been called up to the England squad for their upcoming games, Gareth Southgate confirmed the player is still being assessed by Arsenal.

Saka is trending towards missing City’s visit, which would be a huge blow for the hosts, especially if Gabriel Martinelli is still out.

On the bright side, Thomas Partey is expected to return to Arteta’s squad. Aaron Ramsdale could replace David Raya in the starting XI.

Man City team news

Guardiola welcomed John Stones and Bernardo Silva back into his matchday squad for City’s Champions League win over RB Leipzig. It may be too soon for Stones to start such a high-profile fixture, but Bernardo should come in.

The visitors are crucially without Rodri as he serves the last game of his suspension, while Kevin de Bruyne, who’s had plenty of success against Arsenal in the past, is a long-term absentee.

Arsenal vs Man City predicted lineups

Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Jesus, Nketiah, Trossard.

Man City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiola, Akanji; Phillips, Kovacic, Alvarez; Bernardo, Haaland, Doku.

Arsenal’s recent form

Lens 0-1 Arsenal (03/09) – Champions League

Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal (30/09) – Premier League

Brentford 0-1 Arsenal (27/09) – Carabao Cup

Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham (24/09) – Premier League

Arsenal 4-0 PSV (20/09) – Champions League

Man City’s recent form

RB Leipzig 1-3 Man City (04/10) – Champions League

Wolves 2-1 Man City (30/09) – Premier League

Newcastle 1-0 Man City (27/09) – Carabao Cup

Man City 2-0 Nottingham Forest (23/09) – Premier League

Man City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade (19/09) – Champions League

Arsenal vs Man City prediction

There are always a mountain of tactical elements to mull over when these two managers lock horns, but Guardiola has constantly gotten the better of his apprentice. Arsenal are yet to beat a Guardiola-led City in the Premier League.

While the visitors are without their lynchpin in midfield, the potential absences of Saka and Martinelli tilt the contest firmly in City’s favour.

Arsenal’s attacking balance was well off in the second half at Lens, and they could suffer from similar woes against far superior opposition on Sunday. City, meanwhile, could welcome back to key men from their treble-winning squad. Overall, the signs are pointing towards an away win, but the Gunners, of course, will make a fair fist of it.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Man City