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

  • Table-toppers Arsenal visit the Etihad on Sunday
  • Huge game in three-horse title race
  • Both teams have several injury concerns
Arsenal are aiming for their first win at the Etihad since 2015 on Sunday
Arsenal are aiming for their first win at the Etihad since 2015 on Sunday / Ryan Pierse/GettyImages
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Arsenal's assault towards the Premier League title begins on Sunday as they travel to Manchester City looking to secure their first win at the Etihad since 2015.

The conclusion of the March international break signals the start of the run-in, and this is the last head-to-head fixture between the three title contenders. It's a huge encounter, and the victor will carry an unwavering sense of momentum heading into the final few weeks of the season.

Arsenal's title dream was dashed in Manchester in last season as they were battered by the Cityzens. However, there's an edge to the Gunners this time around, and their record in big games this season stands them in good stead heading into Sunday's duel.

City have several injury concerns from the international break, as do Arsenal, although both teams are expected to be close to full strength.

They don't come around much bigger than this for Arsenal, and here's our preview of the Premier League bout.


How to watch Man City vs Arsenal on TV

  • When is kick-off? Sunday 31 March
  • What time is kick-off? 16:30 (GMT)
  • Where is it played? Etihad Stadium
  • TV channel/live stream? Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Premier League, SKY GO Extra (UK) / UNIVERSO, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC, Peacock, SiriusXM FC, UNIVERSO NOW (US) / fuboTV
  • Referee? Anthony Taylor

Man City team news

The hosts have multiple concerns heading into Sunday's game, but the majority of City's doubts are expected to play.

Kyle Walker is said to be 50/50, as is John Stones. Manuel Akanji will be fine.

Ederson is expected to return earlier than projected from a thigh injury, while Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish are both training ahead of the game.


Arsenal team news

Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli is still struggling with a foot injury / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

Gabriel Martinelli, match-winner in the reverse fixture, remains a doubt with a foot injury. The Brazilian faces a race against time to be fit this weekend, and he'll likely make the bench if he does travel with the squad.

Bukayo Saka pulled out of international duty with a minor muscle injury, but the winger is expected to be fit for the trip to the Etihad. Gabriel, too, should feature from the start.

Jurrien Timber is closing in on a return, but this one might come too soon for the Dutchman. Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu will both make the matchday squad.


Man City vs Arsenal predicted lineups

Man City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; Rodri, De Bruyne, Kovacic; Bernardo, Haaland, Grealish.

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Trossard.


Man City's recent form

Date

Result

Competition

16/03/24

Man City 2-0 Newcastle

FA Cup

10/03/24

Liverpool 1-1 Man City

Premier League

06/03/24

Man City 3-1 FC Copenhagen

Champions League

03/03/24

Man City 3-1 Man Utd

Premier League

27/02/24

Luton Town 2-6 Man City

FA Cup


Arsenal's recent form

Date

Result

Competition

12/03/24

Arsenal 1-0 (4-2p) FC Porto

Champions League

09/03/24

Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

Premier League

04/03/24

Sheffield United 0-6 Arsenal

Premier League

24/02/24

Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle

Premier League

21/02/24

FC Porto 1-0 Arsenal

Champions League


Man City vs Arsenal score prediction

City are still supreme, but they've certainly shown vulnerabilities this season which Arsenal can exploit through their slick build-up play and the utilisation of Havertz up top. Martinelli would be a big miss given the space Pep Guardiola's side surrender in behind.

This is a huge chance for Arsenal to grab the title race by the scruff of the neck and signal a potential changing of the guard. City will give them chances, too, but will they take them?

Winning at the Etihad has proven to be an impossible task for so long, and while the Gunners are best placed now than they've been since 2015 to do so, Guardiola's side seemingly always find a way. I think they come from behind on Sunday to break Gooner hearts.

Prediction: Man City 2-1 Arsenal


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