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Preview: Manchester City vs Arsenal – stats, team news, line-ups

Preview: Manchester City vs Arsenal - stats, team news, line-ups

The Premier League returns with a bang this Easter Sunday as the Etihad Stadium prepares to host a battle of epic proportions.

Reigning champions Manchester City welcome league leaders Arsenal for a clash that could have a significant impact on the Premier League title race.

This clash is shaping up to be the most anticipated match of the weekend, so fans looking to secure a seat at the Etihad can buy Manchester City tickets from Seatsnet.com at competitive prices.

Mikel Arteta, a former student of the Pep Guardiola academy, returns to his old stomping ground with his Gunners squad boasting a one-point advantage. 

A victory for Arsenal would not only extend their lead to four points but also break their nine-year curse of not winning at the Etihad.

However, the title race narrative could shift even before kick-off. 

Liverpool’s lunchtime match against Brighton & Hove Albion presents an opportunity for the Reds to leapfrog Arsenal into first place if they claim even a single point. 

However, Arsenal could return to the summit by the end of the weekend if Arteta ousts his mentor for the third time this season, setting the stage for a mouth-watering showdown in Manchester.

Finishing third would be an unwelcome outcome for Guardiola’s squad, particularly considering their near-impeccable form in 2024. 

While Guardiola may downplay the importance of a potential repeat treble, there’s no denying the allure of achieving such a feat.

Their trophy chase continues on multiple fronts. A 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Newcastle United secured their place in the semi-finals against Chelsea next month. 

Additionally, their quest for back-to-back Champions League crown pits them against record European champions Real Madrid in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash.

City’s dominance is undeniable. They are currently riding a 22-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including a 13-match Premier League winning run.  

Their fortress at the Etihad remains impenetrable, boasting a staggering 38-game unbeaten run on home turf. Since a surprise defeat to Aston Villa in December, City haven’t tasted defeat in any competition.

Not since a shocking 2-1 defeat to Brentford in November 2022 have City tasted defeat at home. In fact, their recent record is pristine, boasting four consecutive victories across all competitions. 

However, the upcoming fixture promises to be their sternest test yet, a true litmus test for their championship aspirations.

After a winter nightmare that saw only one win in seven under Arteta, Arsenal have risen from the ashes spectacularly.

2024 has been a year of redemption, with an unprecedented eight consecutive Premier League victories – a feat untouched in the club’s illustrious history.

The latest triumph came against a stubborn Brentford side. Kai Havertz’s 86th-minute winner silenced the Bees and sent the Emirates Stadium into a frenzy. 

The crucial victory propelled Arsenal to the top of the table, a position they held onto thanks to a stalemate between title rivals City and Liverpool.

The celebrations continued just days later as David Raya emerged as the hero in the Champions League. 

His penalty heroics against Porto sealed Arsenal’s progression to the quarter-final, where they will face another stern test against tournament giants Bayern Munich. 

After seven consecutive last-16 exits, this is a chance for sweet revenge against their frequent European conquerors.

But before they turn their sights to Germany, Arsenal have an opportunity to etch their name into the club’s record books. 

A win against their next opponent would match the nine-game Premier League winning run achieved by their legendary title-winning sides of 97/98, 01/02, and 03/04. 

Add to that their incredible recent away form – 17 goals scored and none conceded in their last three league visits – and optimism is soaring.

There’s also a psychological edge. Arsenal have triumphed in their last two encounters with City, including the traditional season curtain raiser, the Community Shield, and a narrow victory at the Emirates in October. 

However, they haven’t tasted victory at the Etihad since January 2015. To truly cement themselves as title contenders, Arteta’s men must channel the spirit of Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles and secure a historic win on enemy territory.

Match Preview

City’s Etihad is a popular fortress of dominance, a nearly insurmountable obstacle for any visiting team. 

Their record speaks for itself – 38 games unbeaten (W33, D5) across all competitions, with a four-game winning streak stretching back to a mid-February draw against Chelsea.

Arsenal, unfortunately, know this all too well. They’ve been twice on the receiving end of City’s home mastery during this period, most recently getting thumped 4-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.

This isn’t just a one-off result. City boast an impressive eight wins in their last nine home league encounters against the Gunners, with only a single draw disrupting their dominance.

Even conceding the first goal wouldn’t faze Guardiola’s relentless troops. Only Liverpool (23) have clawed back more points from losing positions than City (21) this season, demonstrating their unwavering spirit.

The ghosts of Premier League visits past loom large for Arsenal as they travel to the Etihad to face City.  

Their last victory at this venue feels like a distant memory, dating back to 2015 when a young Arteta was still lacing up his boots for the Gunners.

While history casts a long shadow, Arsenal arrive in a confident mood. 

They recently etched their name into the English football history books, becoming the first team to win three consecutive away league matches by a margin of 5+ goals.  

However, Arteta knows such offensive fireworks might not be enough against the quality of City.

His first four visits to the Etihad as Arsenal manager have been a masterclass in frustration, yielding zero points. For Arteta, any victory, regardless of the scoreline, would be a significant psychological boost and a potential turning point.

The key to breaking the curse may lie in a resolute defence. Worryingly for Arsenal fans, the last time they managed to score more than once against City in the Premier League was a staggering seven years ago, in April 2017.

Team News & Potential Line-ups

Guardiola faces a potential defensive headache with John Stones and Kyle Walker confirmed absentees. 

Thankfully for City fans, Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, Jack Grealish, and Ederson are expected to be fit and ready to lead the charge. 

Despite the potential for a strong starting eleven, a full squad wipeout for these players would leave City with a shallow bench lacking experience.

Across the pitch, Arsenal manager Arteta also faces a nervous wait. Star winger Gabriel Martinelli has missed recent matches, and his availability remains unclear. 

New worries have also emerged with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes withdrawing from international duty.

With Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Jakub Kiwior all vying for the left-back position, Arteta has a selection headache. 

Arteta will also have to decide whether to start Jorginho, Thomas Partey or Leandro Trossard in central midfield with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard if Martinelli is fit.

Man City potential line-up

(3-2-4-1): Ederson; Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake; Rodri, Mateo Kovacic; Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku; Erling Braut Haaland. 

Arsenal potential line-up

(4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Declan Rice, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz. 

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