Man City vs Arsenal Preview
Man City vs Arsenal will take place in the Premier League on March 31 as third-placed defending champions look to gain ground on the league leaders.
The hosts will enter this contest on the back of form. They have won six of their last seven games across competitions and were held to a draw in the other one. In this phase, they have scored 17 goals and conceded just five as they look to finish their season strong after last season’s success. The Cityzens secured a straightforward 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in their last game. They were looking to keep the positive results coming in their next game as well.
The visitors, on the other hand, have a similar run of form compared to their next opponents. The Gunners have won six and lost one of their last seven games across competitions. In that run, they have scored a whopping 24 goals and conceded an impressive two goals. With eight wins in as many Premier League games, they knocked FC Porto out of the Champions League to progress to the quarter-finals in their last game. They were looking to end their hoodoo against City with this upcoming trip up North.
With that said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.
Man City vs Arsenal Team News
Man City
Pep Guardiola will have a couple of injury concerns to sort out before thinking about his lineup for the Arsenal game. Goalkeeper Ederson was not part of the squad in City’s 2-0 win against Newcastle in the FA Cup and remains a doubt for the next game as well.
Star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, too, was not a part of that squad and also withdrew from Belgium’s squad for the international break. His presence is crucial to the team so Guardiola will hope he can return in time. Meanwhile, Kyle Walker had an injury scare on national duty with England but has since clarified that he will be fit to play.
Arsenal
Manager Mikel Arteta, too, will have a few injuries to deal with but they are all key players. Jurrien Timber is on the last leg of his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury and has resumed high-intensity training. He could be in contention to be in matchday squads in early April.
Meanwhile, starting wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both suffered minor injuries in the past few weeks. The Brazilian has been cleared to play after recovering from his foot surgery, while Saka will likely be assessed just before the game to determine if he can be involved.
Man City vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups
Man City Lineup
Guardiola will retain the same lineup he used in the win against Newcastle.
Predicted XI: Stefan Ortega (GK); Kyle Walker (C), Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake; Rodri, John Stones; Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez; Erling Haaland.
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Arsenal Lineup
Arteta, too, will stick with his trusted set of players for this crucial game.
Predicted XI: David Raya (GK); Benjamin White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior; Martin Odegaard (C), Jorginho, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.
Man City vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Record
Competitive meetings between these two teams only went one way between 2010-20, with City dominant in that period. However, things have taken a turn for the better for the Gunners, who have won the last two games. City, however, leads the head-to-head with three wins in the last five.
Last 5 Games
- Arsenal 1-0 Man City (10/23)
- Man City 1-1 Arsenal (1-4 pens.) (08/23)
- Man City 4-1 Arsenal (04/23)
- Arsenal 1-3 Man City (02/23)
- Man City 1-0 Arsenal (01/23)
Man City vs Arsenal Prediction
While Arsenal have shown class and poise over the last few weeks, something has kept them from replicating similar performances at the Etihad Stadium in recent times. Should they want anything out of this game, they will have to be at their absolute best.
However, from the outset, Manchester City are firm favourites to win this game. They have not lost since December and look hungry to keep winning silverware this season as well.
Prediction: Man City 2-1 Arsenal.
Man City vs Arsenal Betting Tips & Odds
Both teams have scored in three of the last five meetings between these two Premier League giants, with that likely to happen again. Arsenal last won a point at the Etihad back in 2017 and last won a game there back in 2015. They will have to fight hard against demons of the past to overcome this hoodoo.
Betting Tips
- Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.71
- Match Total – Over 2.5 Goals: 1.79
- Double Chance – Arsenal or Draw: 1.97
Match Odds
- Man City Win: 1.89
- Draw: 3.85
- Arsenal Win: 4.10
Man City vs Arsenal Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Sunday, March 31st at 4:30 PM (GMT).
- India: Star Sports Network, Hotstar app & website.
- UK: Sky Sports, Sky Sports Main Event.
- US: Peacock Premium.
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