Arsenal vs Man City Preview: Latest Team News, Predicted Lineups and Key Battles

When Arsenal meet Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 21 September, the stage is set for one of the early defining fixtures of the Premier League season. For Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, the game offers a chance to build on recent momentum and reinforce their title credentials. For Pep Guardiola’s City, it represents a must-not-lose encounter after stumbles in recent weeks.

Both teams enter this fixture with back-to-back wins following defeats before the international break. Arsenal responded well with victories over Athletic Club in Europe and a strong league performance, while City overcame Napoli in the Champions League and dispatched Manchester United in the derby. With just five games played, neither manager will want to cede ground in a race already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years.

Sky Sports will broadcast the match live in the UK, with coverage beginning at 4pm BST before the 4.30pm kick-off. For those streaming, Sky Go provides live access, while BBC’s Match of the Day will carry highlights at 10.30pm BST.

Arsenal’s preparations have been complicated by injuries to several key men. Bukayo Saka, Ben White and captain Martin Ødegaard all missed the midweek win over Athletic Club, and Arteta faces late decisions on their availability. William Saliba is fit again, although Cristhian Mosquera’s assured performances give Arteta a welcome selection headache in central defence.

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz remain sidelined, leaving Arsenal short of natural attacking options. New arrivals Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke are expected to shoulder the attacking burden, supported by the creativity of Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi in midfield.

Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Eze, Madueke, Gyökeres.

For Manchester City, summer signings Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush are both ruled out, while Mateo Kovačić is progressing in his recovery but will not feature. Guardiola is likely to turn to his familiar core, with Gianluigi Donnarumma continuing in goal after a superb start to life in Manchester.

Man City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Rodri, Reijnders, Silva; Foden, Doku, Haaland.

This fixture carries more than just the usual weight of an Arsenal–City clash. Arteta knows the Emirates crowd can provide a significant advantage, particularly after criticism of his side’s limp showing at Anfield last month. A statement performance here would not only keep Arsenal within touching distance of the top but also serve notice of their ability to challenge City directly.

Guardiola, meanwhile, is under pressure to avoid further setbacks, especially given Arsenal’s improved recent record against his side. The tactical battle will likely hinge on Arsenal’s ability to control midfield transitions and City’s efforts to unleash Erling Haaland against a defence still finding rhythm after injuries.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Man City.

Arsenal have built an impressive record in recent meetings with Manchester City. They are unbeaten in the last four clashes across all competitions, or five if including the Community Shield shootout win in August 2023.

The Emirates has been particularly kind to Arteta’s side, with the last two league meetings in north London ending in Arsenal victories. The most recent league clash at the Emirates finished 5-1 to Arsenal, remembered for Myles Lewis-Skelly’s first senior goal and his now-famous celebration towards Haaland.

Head-to-head record:

FootballPlace analyst John William believes this game will be defined by Arsenal’s belief and City’s response under pressure:

“Arsenal’s recent run against City has given them psychological confidence. The blend of new signings and home advantage makes them dangerous. But Guardiola will remind his players of the fine margins at the top of the table. City cannot afford to fall behind so early in the season. This has the makings of a high-tempo, decisive contest.”

Following this blockbuster clash, Arsenal turn their attention to a tricky away trip in Europe before facing Wolves in the league. City, meanwhile, will be back in Champions League action midweek before hosting Aston Villa at the Etihad.

For both clubs, Sunday’s game feels like an early-season benchmark. Victory for Arsenal could underline their status as City’s main rivals. For Guardiola’s side, it is a chance to reassert their dominance and halt Arsenal’s momentum.

👉 Who will come out on top at the Emirates — Arsenal’s rising force or City’s proven champions?