Verdict: Noni Madueke over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what is a blockbuster Premier League showdown this weekend, Arsenal will welcome Manchester City to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal
Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have entered September’s international break with a late 1-0 loss away at defending champions Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s men have proven that toothless performance at Anfield was nothing more than a minor blip. Marking their return from the fortnight interval with a thumping 3-0 victory at home against Nottingham Forest, the Gunners also opened their European adventure with a rigged display on foreign soil. Eventually landing a gritty 2-0 win away at Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao, Arsenal have won four of their first five appearances across all competitions. Getting the 2025/26 campaign underway with a 1-0 victory away at historic rivals Manchester United, Sunday’s hosts have also gained a reputation for their extended success in north London. In fact, Arteta’s side have suffered just a pair of Premier League defeats at the Emirates so far this calendar year.
Arsenal Team News
Both missing out away at Athletic Bilbao in midweek, Arsenal are once again sweating over the fitness of both skipper Martin Odegaard and attacking talisman Bukayo Saka. Likewise, undergoing knee surgery last month, the Gunners have confirmed that Kai Havertz faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
Coming off the bench and both finding the net in the Basque Country on Wednesday night, the duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard will be hoping for a full recall. Despite not featuring since returning from September’s international break, William Saliba could return at the heart of Arteta’s defence.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, although Manchester City might have entered September’s international break with consecutive Premier League defeats for the first time this calendar year, Pep Guardiola’s men have come roaring back in an empathic fashion. Claiming local bragging rights last weekend as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp at home against bitter local rivals Man United, Pep Guardiola’s men also opened their respective Champions League adventure with an impressive performance earlier in the week. Up and running thanks to a 2-0 victory against reigning Italian champions Napoli, the former Barcelona boss will be dreaming of a heavyweight scalp in north London. However, hit with what was an infamous 5-1 drumming when they last travelled to the Emirates back in February, they have also failed to win any of their previous five meetings against Arsenal across all competitions (three defeats, two draws).
Manchester City Team News
Suffering a knee injury while away with Egypt over the fortnight break and missing out against Napoli on Thursday night, Omar Marmoush is not expected to play any part in north London. Likewise, Guardiola’s camp will also be unable to call upon new recruits Rayan Ait Nouri and Rayan Cherki.
Opening his Champions League account earlier in the week and enjoying what has been a record-breaking start to proceedings, the red-hot Erling Haaland will play a leading role in the final third. Appearing to be getting back to his tantalising best, England international Phil Foden should keep his spot from the start.
Arsenal vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Arsenal and Manchester City last met at the Emirates back on February 2nd, the Gunners stormed their way to a sensational 5-1 victory.
- Arsenal have won back-to-back Premier League home fixtures against the Sky Blues.
- In fact, Arsenal are unbeaten in all of their previous five meetings against Man City across all competitions (three wins, two draws).
- The two Premier League meetings between Arsenal and Manchester City last season produced 10 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- Five of the last seven showdowns between Sunday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Manchester City might have enjoyed a sensational run since returning from September’s international break, Guardiola’s men will be bracing themselves for a stern examination here. Hit with an infamous 5-1 drumming when they last travelled to the Emirates back in February, Sunday’s guests hold a worrying record against Arsenal. Failing to win any of their previous five meetings across all competitions, the Sky Blues find themselves pencilled in as a real underdog contender in the capital this weekend.
Verdict: Noni Madueke over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
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