Prediction: Manchester City vs Arsenal

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what could prove to be a season-defining affair from the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will make the trip to Manchester City.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might have a real battle on their hands in their bid to make more Premier League history this season, Pep Guardiola’s men are in the midst of an extended purple patch. Last seen heading into March’s international break with a 2-0 victory at home against Newcastle while in FA Cup action, the Sky Blues will know the importance of making a major statement here. Extending on their Champions League adventure earlier in the month and punching a quarter-final ticket thanks to a 6-2 aggregate romp against Copenhagen, the one-time Barcelona boss has not seen his squad suffer a single loss from any of their previous 22 straight appearances across all competitions. With that extended flurry stemming all the way back to a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa on December 6th, City have also continued to shine at the Etihad. In fact, the Sky Blues have won all of their last four home fixtures by an aggregate score of 9-2.

Team News

Both suffering respective injury issues while away with England over the past week, the duo of John Stones and Kyle Walker are not expected to feature on Sunday afternoon. However, although Swiss defender Manuel Akanji might have been forced to withdraw from international action due to a minor knock, the 28-year-old is expected to be given the green light to feature here.

Notching 18 strikes in his 23 Premier League appearances this season and sat in the driving seat to clinch another Golden Boot, attacking talisman Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge at the Etihad. Likewise, continuing to shine this year and with 11 top-flight goals to his name, Phil Foden will play a leading role here.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have eventually fallen short in their bid to claim a first Premier League crown since 2004 last season, the Gunners are enjoying another fairytale this time around. Extending on their own Champions League adventure earlier in the month as they edged their way past Portuguese giants Porto, Mikel Arteta’s side have continued to receive a string of plaudits. Riding what has been a stunning wave of momentum, Sunday’s guests have won all of their last eight straight Premier League appearances – a run that stems all the way back to December 21st. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Arsenal also mark their return from the March international break leading the chase at the top of the table. Likewise, landing a gritty 1-0 win when they welcomed City to north London back on October 8th, the Gunners will be desperate to produce a repeat display.

Team News

Although England international Bukayo Saka might have been forced to withdraw from England duties over the past week, Arsenal remain hopeful that their attacking talisman will be able to make a crucial return here. However, suffering his own injury blow while away with Brazil, defender Gabriel Magalhaes is a real doubt on Sunday afternoon.

However, in what could be a timely boost Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to make a return to Arteta’s squad this weekend. Finding the net in all of his final four appearances prior to March’s international break former Chelsea man Kai Havertz will lead Arsenal’s attack here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City and Arsenal met for their reverse Premier League showdown on October 8th, the Gunners picked up a 1-0 victory at the Emirates.
• Arsenal have won all of their previous eight straight Premier League appearances.
• Manchester City are unbeaten in all of their previous 22 straight matchups across all competitions.
• The Sky Blues have won all of their last four showdowns at the Etihad by an aggregate score of 9-2.
• Arsenal have won all of their last four domestic contests away from the Emirates by an aggregate score of 19-1.

Conclusion

In what promises to be a season-defining affair from the Etihad this weekend, neutrals will be hoping for an action-packed contest. Two sides who have continued to shine with their clinical performances in the final third, chances could come thick and fast on Sunday afternoon. With Manchester City seeing four of their last five appearances across all competitions finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster