Arsenal vs Man City: Back Citizens to silence Gunners once again
Arsenal meet Man City at the Emirates on Super Sunday with just one point separating challengers from champions in the Premier League.
Date, KO time and TV coverage
Premier League, Sunday, October 8, Kick-off 4.30pm (BST), live on Sky Sports Main Event
Predicted score
- Arsenal 1-2 Man City
Suggested bets
- Over 2.5 goals and both team score
- Man City to win
Arsenal vs Man City team news
Bukayo Saka could be set to join Gabriel Martinelli on the sidelines, forcing Mikel Arteta to start Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah in wide areas.
Jurrien Timber is unavailable due to injury but first-choice partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are available.
Man City’s talisman Kevin De Bruyne remains unavailable due to injury, while midfield patroller Rodri is still suspended.
Jesus Alvarez will continue behind Erling Haaland, while Jeremy Doku’s performance in Leipzig should earn him another start.
Arsenal vs Man City verdict
Arsenal’s 4-0 win at Bournemouth last weekend coupled with Wolves’ shock win over Man City sets this match up perfectly.
Arsenal’s trip to Lens saw them surrender a 1-0 lead to lose to the French side, but more worryingly, Saka picked up an injury that will likely rule him out.
Pep Guardiola’s side were dominant in their 3-1 win against Leipzig with Jeremy Doku able to make two decisive contributions from the bench.
Sunday’s meeting at the Emirates is in no way a title decider, but back-to-back six-point swings in Arsenal’s favour would be monumental.
Victory for Mikel Arteta’s side would also do wonders for their confidence. They’ve beaten City just once in 21 competitive meetings, a 2-0 success in the FA Cup.
Furthermore, the visitors have won 12 consecutive Premier League meetings and are unbeaten in 15 against Arsenal.
Wolves’ win at Molineux was a reminder that City aren’t bulletproof, as was Newcastle’s win at St James’ Park. But the Gunners are lacking some artillery.
Bukayo Saka has 10 goal involvements in 10 appearances this season, won the winning penalty and forced Christian Romero’s own goal. His contribution has been worth 10 points.
Man City are definitely a weaker unit without the services of Rodri Hernandez, but they will feel comfortable about facing Trossard and Nketiah in wide areas.
In addition to an away win, goals look likely. Games at the Emirates have averaged 3.75 goals this season, with both teams scoring in all four matches.
