/sky247-nigeria/media/media_files/2025/01/30/ImNrrr2LHAenfkhIlIqa.webp)
Arsenal vs Manchester City
In what promises to be a thrilling heavyweight Premier League showdown, Arsenal will welcome defending champions Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. With both sides having it tough at the top of the table, this clash could have significant implications in the title race. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners will be eager to prove their credentials against his former mentor, Pep Guardiola. At the same time, City will look to assert their dominance and extend their recent stronghold over Arsenal.
Previous Matches and Head-to-head
Arsenal, who are currently riding high after completing their run through the Champions League group round with a 2-1 road win over Girona in midweek, will get things off for the hosts. Mikel Arteta's squad has garnered 13 points from their last five matches in all competitions despite suffering a shocking FA Cup loss on January 12th at the hands of old rivals Manchester United.
The Gunners aim to maintain some distance from Liverpool, who are currently leading the Premier League, after their last outing, a 1-0 victory over Wolves.
However, Sunday's hosts have shown domestic troubles on home turf, including a collapse earlier this month at the Emirates when they ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Out of their last four home matches against Premier League opponents, Arsenal have managed only one win.
In other news, Manchester City will be relieved to have escaped the dreaded Champions League elimination after their crucial midweek comeback resulted in a 3-1 win over Club Brugge.
The Sky Blues have been impressive since the start of the new year, despite Pep Guardiola's team suffering a shocking 4-2 loss away to PSG on January 22nd. After a 3-1 victory over local rivals Chelsea last weekend, the visitors on Sunday have gone undefeated in their past nine games in all competitions.
With a resounding 4-1 home win against West Ham to kick off 2025, City have unquestionably discovered a genuine clinical advantage in the last third. This could be a tough test for Guardiola's squad, as they have only kept two clean sheets away from the Etihad since the first weekend of the Premier League.
Arsenal x Manchester City Team News
Arsenal will miss its offensive talisman, Bukayo Saka, who had hamstring surgery last month, for Sunday afternoon's match. Similarly, Gabriel Jesus, a striker for Manchester City, will sit this one out after injuring his knee in a game against Manchester United on January 12th, terminating his season.
Declan Rice, an international for England, deserves a full return after settling for a bench role away at Girona earlier in the week. The 17-year-old wonder Ethan Nwaneri will aim to maintain his starting position after scoring his first Champions League goal in Catalonia on Wednesday night.
Even though City's newest signings, Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush, were benched against Club Brugge last week, they are free to start tonight. Guardiola will be without key players like Ruben Dias and Rodri since they are all still nursing injuries.
City will be spearheaded by Erling Haaland, who has scored five goals in all competitions since the new year began. Also, Haaland will have Phil Foden as his final third partner; Foden has scored six goals in his last four Premier League games.
Our Predictions
Both teams to score @ 1.70 on Sky247.ng.
The two Premier League heavyweights played to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their September 22nd meeting, so fans on the sidelines are hoping for a repeat performance. This weekend in north London promises to be a nail-biter, as Arsenal knows that a loss here may be the last straw for their dwindling championship hopes. Due to the two teams' shown defensive shortcomings, we anticipate scoring opportunities on Sunday afternoon from both sides of the field.
Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.