Arsenal host title-rivals Manchester City in the Premier League looking to move atop the table. So, here is everything you need to know – including how to watch it on TV.

Last season’s champions and runners-up face off for the first time in the top-flight this term on Sunday. Manchester City pipped Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2003/04 by five points. Even though Mikel Arteta’s team led the table for 248 days across the season.

A late collapse to their campaign cost Arsenal as the Emirates Stadium outfit only won three of their final nine fixtures. Manchester City would claim the crown for the third-straight year with three games to play. But Pep Guardiola’s team only lead the way by a point this season.

Wolves stunned Manchester City to win 2-1 at Molineux last Saturday as Arsenal won 4-0 at AFC Bournemouth. It pulled the title rivals plus Tottenham Hotspur together at the top after seven games. Now, either of the three teams can lead the standings by the end of the week.

Arsenal also already have a win over Manchester City in their column this season after their Community Shield triumph. But while Arteta’s side came from behind to win on penalties at Wembley, the Gunners fell to their first defeat of the season at RC Lens on Wednesday night.

Their first Champions League away day of the season saw Arsenal lose 2-1 at RC Lens and potentially lose Bukayo Saka to an injury. His availability will be crucial to Arteta’s hopes of a result. So, here is everything you need to know ahead of Arsenal hosting Manchester City…

When is Arsenal vs Manchester City?

The Premier League agreed to schedule Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City for Sunday, October 8 after Sky Sports chose the top-of-the-table game for live TV coverage in the UK. It will also kick-off in the 16:30 BST time slot as the final top-flight fixture from matchweek 8.

How to watch Arsenal vs Manchester City on TV

Sky Sports will broadcast Arsenal and Manchester City’s meeting live on TV in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage will begin on either channel at 16:00 with a 30-minute build-up show following Brighton & Hove Albion taking on Liverpool.

Live stream of Arsenal vs Manchester City

Fans in the UK can watch a live stream of Sunday’s Emirates Stadium encounter through Sky Sports’ streaming services. It is available online and via the Sky Sports app. While BBC Radio 5 Live will have an exclusive audio-only commentary stream, with build-up starting at 16:00.

Arsenal team and injury news

Arsenal are sweating over the injury that Saka sustained against RC Lens as Arteta awaits his full team news for Sunday’s clash with Manchester City. The 22-year-old limped off after just 34 minutes on Tuesday night clutching his thigh. It was his third straight game with an injury.

Arteta also replaced Saka late on against Tottenham after he took a heavy knock to the foot. The issue would also prevent the England star from facing Brentford in the Carabao Cup. Yet Saka returned to score at AFC Bournemouth, only to limp off again late in the second period.

Not having Saka available due to an injury would be devasting for Arsenal’s hopes of beating Manchester City. He has scored five and assisted five goals through his 10 appearances in all competitions so far this season. He is the Gunners’ top goalscorer and top creator this term.

Arteta can, at least, call on Leandro Trossard after he returned from a hamstring injury at RC Lens. The Belgian was an unused substitute at Bournemouth after missing the north London derby and their trip to Brentford. Thomas Partey may also return from his injury this Sunday.

Arsenal have been without the Ghanian since they beat Manchester United 3-1 after Partey picked up a mix of a groin and thigh injury. But the midfielder returned to training at London Colney on Monday and should be in contention for Sunday’s crucial top-of-the-table match.

A return might also be on the cards for Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazilian’s own hamstring injury. He has missed the Gunners’ last four games after suffering the issue at Everton where Trossard came on to score their winning goal. But he is now closing in on a return to fitness.

Partey and Martinelli returning when Arsenal face Manchester City may leave only Saka and Jurrien Timber on the sidelines. Arteta will remain without his star summer signing for most of the term. Timber is still recovering after surgery to his ACL and is making good progress.

Prediction: Arsenal (1) vs (2) Manchester City

Whether or not Arsenal pass Saka fit to meet Manchester City, Guardiola will be confident of claiming another result against his former mentee, Arteta. August’s Community Shield result marked the Gunners’ first win over the Citizens since July 2020, losing the eight in between.

Arsenal have also not beaten Manchester City in the Premier League since December 2015. Arsene Wenger oversaw a 2-1 result at Emirates Stadium with goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud. The Citizens have won in 14 of their 16 top-flight meetings since that result.

Even with Rodri serving the final game of his three-match ban, Manchester City will expect to continue their dominant streak. Guardiola will also surely demand a response from their defeat at Wolves. The Citizens last lost in back-to-back top-flight fixtures in December 2018.

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