Frank Christian
In the Premier League, Manchester City and Arsenal have been the leading teams for the last two seasons. Their upcoming match this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium is crucial, even though it’s only the fifth week of the 2024/25 season.
Pep Guardiola’s team has performed flawlessly in the league, securing victories in all four matches so far.
In their last two home games against Ipswich Town and Brentford, City managed to overcome early deficits to win, but starting slowly against Arsenal could prove to be a mistake. Despite narrowly clinching the title from the Gunners last season, the reigning champions failed to score in either of their league encounters with them during the 2023/24 season.
Both Arsenal and City played to scoreless draws with their Italian rivals in the UEFA Champions League this past week, indicating that their upcoming battle might be another tense and tightly contested affair.
Probable lineups for Man City vs. Arsenal
Kevin De Bruyne had to come off at halftime during the match against Inter Milan after a collision with goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Although Guardiola has not ruled him out completely, his availability for the upcoming game is uncertain. In his absence, Ilkay Gundogan or Mateo Kovacic are likely to step in.
Phil Foden, who returned after recovering from illness, is anticipated to make his first start of the season.
Man City projected lineup (3-2-4-1): Ederson (GK) — Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol — Lewis, Rodri — Silva, Foden, Gundogan, Grealish — Haaland.
Injury updates: Bobb (broken leg), De Bruyne (doubt)
Suspensions: None
Declan Rice came back to the Arsenal squad against Atalanta after serving a domestic suspension, and he will play in midfield, still missing injured Martin Odegaard due to an ankle issue.
Gabriel Jesus took the captaincy in Odegaard’s absence in Bergamo but struggled during the match and was substituted after an hour. Leandro Trossard may take on a central attacking role, allowing Kai Havertz to push back into midfield.
Arsenal projected lineup (4-3-3): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber — Havertz, Partey, Rice — Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Injury updates: Merino (shoulder), Odegaard (ankle), Tierney (hamstring), Tomiyasu (knee), Zinchenko (calf)
Suspensions: None
Viewing options for Man City vs. Arsenal
Here’s where to watch this crucial Premier League matchup in various parts of the world:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | — | Fubo, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App |
| Canada | — | Fubo |
| UK | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League | Sky GO, Sky Sports website |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | Star Sports Select 1 | JioTV, Hotstar VIP |
