The master vs his apprentice affair is one everyone is interested in, a game of huge significance at the top, who will come out tops? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)
Manchester City vs. ArsenalEtihad Stadium4:30pm
| The master vs his apprentice affair is one everyone is interested in, a game of huge significance at the top, who will come out tops? (Photo credit: Sky Sports) |
It’s arguably the game of the season so far; only one point separates the two clubs, with Arsenal knowing only a win would keep them at the top. A win might not be enough to send City to the top, but it automatically takes them above Arsenal at least. It’s a crucial game.
The Gunners head into this Fixture on the back of eight successive wins in 2024; they’re the form team of the league, and this is a true test of how far they have come. While they beat Liverpool on their current streak, doing something they haven’t done in eight years will confirm they’re ready for elite conversations.
Liverpool would go top if they beat Brighton at Anfield on Sunday. Just before this juggernaut of a fixture, it is down to the two clubs to fight it out for a result that could be damaging to the other party; it’s a full-course meal for the neutrals.
There were lots of stunts during the just concluded international window. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Maghalaes both pulled out of their respective national teams due to injuries, while Kevin De Bruyne didn’t show up for Belgium at all. All three are expected to be fit for the game on Sunday.
Kyle Walker and John Stones are both unavailable, according to Pep Guardiola, but Josko Gvardiol is fit and could join Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, and Manuel Akanji in the Manchester City defense. Rodri is arguably the best midfielder in Europe as of today; how will Arsenal contain him?
The midfield of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Thomas Partey could be the answer to everything Manchester City throws at Arsenal on Sunday. With almost everyone fit and available, you could also see Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurien Timber in the squad.
Bernardo Silva is one player Arsenal must pay attention to. Phil Foden has been exceptional this season in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne; the latter was instrumental home and away against the Gunners last season. Is he up for it again?
Arsenal won the reverse fixture, a result that meant the dock was broken and would be the source of inspiration as Arsenal tries to beat City at the Etihad for the first time since Guardiola took over the reins at Manchester City.
It’s going to be a cagey game; both sides will try to maintain a good shape, the first to blink will suffer, and both sides will like to keep the ball. Who will blink first?
Verdict: Manchester City to win.
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