Arsenal vs Manchester City: Battle for the Top Spot Heats Up at the Emirates

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The stage is set for the biggest Premier League match of the weekend as Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, following the mid-week Champions League group stage games.

The match will kick off at 5:30 pm and will be the final Premier League game of the day (Sunday).

Both teams come into this clash after securing victories in their respective Premier League matches last weekend against Wolves and Chelsea.

Arsenal triumphed 1-0 over Wolves, while Man City won 3-1 against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

The last encounter between the two sides took place in September 2024, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Erling Haaland, John Stones, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel all scored in that thrilling encounter.

Arsenal will be hoping to reduce the nine-point gap between them and Premier League leaders Liverpool when they face the visitors.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has confirmed that defender Ben White will miss the game against Man City.

At his pre-match press conference, Arteta said, “Ben is definitely out, hasn’t trained with us yet so is not going to be available. No other news from the game against Girona.”

The Spanish coach also expressed uncertainty over the availability of goalkeeper David Raya, who is dealing with an injury.

“It’s a muscular issue so we have to wait and see,” Arteta added.

Arsenal currently occupy second place in the Premier League, trailing Liverpool after 23 matches.

Meanwhile, Man City will look to build on their victory over Chelsea as they visit Arsenal.

City are in fourth place in the Premier League with 41 points from 23 matches.

Man City manager, Pep Guardiola, has already confirmed that he does not expect any of his injured players to return for the Sunday clash.

This means that Rodri (knee), Oscar Bobb (leg), Nathan Ake (muscle), Ruben Dias (groin), and Jeremy Doku will once again be absent.

A win for City against Arsenal would see Guardiola’s side move up to 44 points, maintaining their position in the top four.

Guardiola will be aiming for a victory at the Emirates to solidify their spot in the top four, while Arteta will hope Arsenal secures the win and continues to chase down Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:30 pm Nigerian time.

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