This top-of-the-table clash will be ever more important as just two points separate both.

The Premier League returns with a top-of-the-table clash between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad. The defending champions will host Arsenal in their fifth league game of the season with the hope to get their fifth win on the trot. The Cityzens were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw in their Champions League opener against Inter Milan and will be keen to bounce back to winning ways over the weekend.

Arsenal on the other hand also played out a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in their opening game of the Champions League. The Gunners have also had a solid start to their season winning three of their opening four games. They are sitting right below the league leaders with 10 points to their name. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can go the distance against City and get to the top of the table.

Kick Off

Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 9:00 PM IST

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Form

Manchester City (in all competitions): D-W-W-W-W

Arsenal (in all competitions): D-W-D-W-W

Players to watch

Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

The England international is one of City’s top players up front. He fuels City’s high-profile attacking lineup with quality and pin-point deliveries from the left flank. His vision coupled with his playmaking and ball distribution abilities make him an undisputed starter for Pep Guardiola‘s team. The 29-year-old will be keen to open his account for the season against Arsenal.

Kai Havertz (Arsenal)

Kai Havertz will need to stand up to the occasion and bring his best game to the table in this high voltage clash. The German international is Arsenal’s highest goal contributor in the league this season with two goals and an assist. He has a magical left foot and can turn the game on its head on his day. Expect him to be one of Arsenal’s top performers in the clash against City.

Match facts

Manchester City have lost 100 games against Arsenal

Arsenal have not conceded a goal against City for more than a year

Manchester City are unbeaten in their last five home games against Arsenal

Injury & Team News

Manchester City will miss Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb while Kevin De Bruyne also remains doubtful.

Arsenal will be without Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Zinchenko and Mikel Merino.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 211

Manchester City wins – 65

Arsenal wins – 100

Draws – 46

Predicted Line-up

Manchester City (3-2-4-1)

Ederson (GK); Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri; Doku, Silva, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland

Arsenal (4-4-2)

Raya (GK); White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Sterling, Partey, Joginho, Martinelli; Havertz, Jesus

Prediction for Manchester City vs Arsenal

This top of the table Premier League clash promises to be a nail biting contest with two of the best teams in the league going up against each other. We expect Manchester City to continue their winning momentum and secure their fifth win of the season.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal

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