Premier League Gameweek 29 features a top-table six-pointer between perennial champions Manchester City and table-topping Arsenal.
With only one point separating the top three sides ahead of the last nine rounds, one of those most fascinating title races in the Premier League era will go down to the wire.
Hellbent on winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title, Pep Guardiola’s side head into proceedings amidst a jaw-dropping 22-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W19, D3).
After a pulsating 1-1 top-flight draw against Liverpool at Anfield, Man City returned to winning ways with a routine 2-0 home triumph against Newcastle United in the FA Cup.
But, a much sterner test waits around the corner.
If there was a time for Arsenal to play down their infamous tag as ‘serial bottlers’, it’s now.
Mikel Arteta’s charges have gone from strength to strength since the start of 2024, winning all eight league matches by an aggregate score of 33-4.
As if that’s not encouraging enough, the Gunners triumphed 1-0 in the reverse fixture in October.
However, walking away from the Etihad Stadium unbeaten often requires something special.
Match Preview
Man City’s home dominance has been off the charts. They haven’t lost any of their last 38 competitive games at the Etihad (W33, D5), winning four in a row since a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in mid-February.
Arsenal have fallen victim to the Cityzens’ home prowess twice during that stretch, with Guardiola’s all-conquering side thumping the Gunners 4-1 in this corresponding fixture last term.
That victory forms part of the reigning champions’ impressive run of eight wins in their last nine home league encounters against the London giants (D1).
Conceding first wouldn’t diminish Man City’s bid to extend that streak, knowing only Liverpool (23) have claimed more points from losing positions than them (21).
Arsenal’s ‘Etihad hoodoo’ stretches back to 2015. Arteta was still an active player for the Gunners when they last won a Premier League match at this venue.
While that certainly looks ominous, the Londoners have excelled on their recent travels, becoming the first club in English football history to win three straight league matches on the road by 5+ goals.
Given the quality of their upcoming hosts, Arteta would settle for any winning margin, not least because his first four managerial visits to the Etihad in the Premier League have yielded zero points.
Defensive solidity will be the key, as the last time Arsenal scored more than one goal against Man City in top-flight action was in April 2017.
Team News
Problems are piling up for Guardiola.
After losing first-choice goalkeeper Ederson and star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to injuries before the international break, the Man City boss picked up fresh concerns during the pause.
Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Kyle Walker all suffered injuries while away on international duties with their countries, causing the Spaniard a substantial selection headache.
Stefan Ortega should take Ederson’s place in goal, but he must be creative to cover up for the four remaining absentees.
Arsenal will be without Jurrien Timber, whose return from a lengthy spell in the treatment room could come in late April.
But the Spaniard’s anxiety stems from Gabriel Magalhaes’ fitness problem and Gabriel Martinelli’s relatively slow recovery from an ankle injury.
The Brazilians face a race against time to make the matchday squad.
Manchester City vs Arsenal Potential Line-ups
Manchester City (3-2-4-1): Stefan Ortega; Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake; Rodri, Mateo Kovacic; Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku; Erling Braut Haaland.
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Declan Rice, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz.
