Premier League: Arsenal vs Manchester City prediction, head-to-head, team news, possible line-ups

The Gunners take on Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens for the first time since their thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad, with Mikel Arteta’s side aiming to stay within touching distance of Liverpool in the Premier League title race. Here’s a look at predictions, team news, betting tips, and possible line-ups ahead of Sunday evening’s blockbuster clash.

Arsenal and Manchester City have delivered some of the most intense battles in recent Premier League history, and the first meeting this season was no exception.

That dramatic encounter had it all—Michael Oliver’s controversial red card for Leandro Trossard, City’s protests over Ricardo Calafiori’s equaliser, and Erling Haaland’s pointed “stay humble” remark to Arteta after the champions salvaged a last-minute draw following a resilient defensive display from the Gunners.

Haaland spoke to Arteta after the first leg (Photo Credit: Screenshot from the Skysports video)

Since then, much has changed. City endured a dip in form before regaining momentum, while Arsenal remain in hot pursuit of league leaders Liverpool.

Both sides head into this showdown on a high, having won their respective Champions League fixtures in midweek and coming off strong domestic performances.

Arsenal followed up their hard-fought 1-0 win over Wolves with a 2-1 victory away at Girona, while City secured consecutive 3-1 wins against Chelsea in the league and Club Brugge in Europe.

Arsenal vs Manchester City Head-to-Head

Arsenal FC Chelsea are linked with a move for Gabriel Magalhaes’ cousin Denner

The Gunners head into this clash unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League matches, having picked up more points than any other side since Matchday 11 (29). Mikel Arteta’s men have never gone on a longer unbeaten run under his management, with their last 14-game streak coming between August and December 2018.

Meanwhile, City have been relentless in the second half of Premier League campaigns. The visitors have lost just one of their last 40 league matches from January onwards (W33 D6) and are unbeaten in their last 23 such fixtures across the past two seasons.

Set pieces could play a crucial role in this encounter. Arsenal have scored the most goals from set pieces this season (12, excluding penalties), while City have conceded the fewest (2, level with Brentford). However, one of those came in the reverse fixture, and notably, five of Arsenal’s last 10 goals against City have come from corners.

Arsesenal players against Man City ||

Pep Guardiola has leaned on experience this season, with 39.6% of City’s Premier League minutes going to players aged 30 or older.

Kevin De Bruyne has historically been a thorn in Arsenal’s side, racking up 12 goal involvements in 14 Premier League starts against the Gunners. His eight goals against them are the most he has scored against any opponent in the competition.

City also boast an impressive record in the capital, going unbeaten in their last nine Premier League matches in London since their 1-0 defeat at the Emirates in October 2023.

Resilience has been a hallmark of Guardiola’s side this season, with City recovering more points from losing positions than any other team (17). Remarkably, five of their 12 league wins have come after conceding the opening goal.

Arsenal vs Manchester City Team News and Predicted Line-Ups

Micheal Oliver after issuing a red card to Lewis Skelly. Image credit: @now_arsenaI/X

Arsenal will have Myles Lewis-Skelly available after his red card against Wolves was overturned earlier this week.

However, David Raya remains a doubt, meaning Neto could continue in goal. The Gunners will also be without Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who are all sidelined with injuries.

For City, new signings Vitor Reis, Omar Marmoush, and Abdukodir Khusanov are available for selection after missing the Brugge clash due to their unregistered status in the first phase of European competitions.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that none of City’s injured players will be fit in time for this fixture.

Man City new signing Omar Marmoush | Instagram/Man City

Arsenal Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli

Manchester City Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Ederson (GK); Nunes, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Marmoush

Arsenal vs Manchester City Predictions & Betting Tips

Given Arsenal’s injury crisis in attack, their defence is shaping up to make the difference in this one. City are vulnerable defensively and have several big names out for this game, which could make the difference.