The Premier League’s most hotly-anticipated match of the season arrives on Sunday, with table toppers Arsenal traveling to Manchester City in an enticing title fight.
The outcome of the battle at the Etihad Stadium could well define the title race come the campaign’s conclusion. Should Man City win, they will move within just three points of first place with a game in hand over the Gunners, while victory for Arsenal would see them establish a potentially insurmountable nine-point cushion. A draw also benefits the current league leaders.
City are certainly favorites this weekend. They have form on their side, enjoying a three-match winning streak which began with victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last month. Subsequent demolitions of Liverpool and Chelsea have only boosted their morale ahead of a crunch clash.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are enduring one of their leaner spells of the term. Three defeats from their last five have raised alarm bells, while their drab attacking performances during recent weeks have exacerbated growing fears. They will be desperate to keep their nerve at the Etihad and stride ever closer to a first Premier League title in over two decades.
Pre-match Press Conference
Arteta: “We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging and with the possibility to win and the opportunity to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and the best manager that this league has ever seen. That's a huge privilege, and we cannot wait to play the game.
"We're going to prepare the game to win it, that's for sure, and we see that as a big opportunity for us. We’re not going to spend one second talking about that [drawing]. We prepare every game to win, that's where we are and we're going to continue to do the same.”
Guardiola: "If we lose, it is over. But the other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn't win against Bournemouth, we still have games to play. Six games is a lot, given our calendar especially.
“I said today to the players, it is just a football game and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well and that is exactly what you have got to do and all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal.”
Team News
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola confirmed that Nico O’Reilly is fit despite a recent hamstring scare at Stamford Bridge. The youngster has scored six goals since February, including a brace in the Carabao Cup final. However, the hosts remain without defensive trio Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and John Stones. Furthermore, Rayan Cherki will continue to pull the creative strings in the midfield engine room.
Arsenal
The Gunners face a significant blow with Bukayo Saka definitely ruled out through an Achilles injury. He joins Mikel Merino on a growing absentee list at a critical stage of the season. Noni Madueke will be assessed late after being forced off during the midweek European clash. Consequently, Arteta is waiting on the fitness of Martin Ødegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurriën Timber.
Form
Manchester City
City arrive in devastating form, plundering nine goals in their last three outings without conceding. They have netted at least twice in 12 of their last 14 home matches. Springtime usually brings the best out of Guardiola’s squad, boasting a 79.5% win rate in April. They currently look like a team perfectly prepared for the final title hurdle.
Arsenal
The leaders have stuttered lately, losing their last three domestic matches against elite opposition. Their statistical record in April is their worst under Arteta, averaging only 1.54 points per game. Notably, defensive errors have increased, with 15 mistakes leading to shots since the turn of the year. Arsenal must rediscover their early-season composure to survive this difficult trip to Manchester.