Next Sunday evening, the Emirates Stadium will be agog as Arsenal host one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Premier League season against Manchester City
Softfootball understands that the stakes would be higher, as both clubs are looking to strengthen their positions in the title race. Stuart Attwell has been appointed as referee, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as two of England’s biggest sides go head-to-head in North London.
Arsenal come into this fixture brimming with confidence, having put together an impressive run of results in recent weeks. They had a remarkable first outing in the Champions League, with goals from Martinelli and Trossard giving the Gunners a befitting 2-0 win over Athletic Club.
In addition, out of their last four league matches, the Gunners have emerged victorious in three, with their only blemish being a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Liverpool. This setback, however, did little to dent their momentum. Their other results include a commanding 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at home, a ruthless 5-0 demolition of Leeds United, in which new signing Viktor Gyokeres scored his debut goal for the club, and a gritty 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Watch Gyokeres’ fourth goal of the season for Arsenal as released by the club on their official X handle below:
Manchester City, by contrast, have endured a more uneven spell of form. Pep Guardiola’s men remain a formidable outfit, but their last four league results paint a picture of inconsistency. Convincing victories against Manchester United (3-0) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-0) showcased the attacking brilliance and control, but shocking defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion (1-2) and Tottenham Hotspur (0-2) revealed defensive frailties and lapses in concentration that Arsenal will be keen to exploit.
Despite these stumbles, City cannot be underestimated. With Erling Haaland spearheading their attack, supported by the creativity of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jeremy Doku, the reigning champions remain one of the most dangerous teams in Europe.
Haaland scored his 50th UCL goal on Thursday during City’s 2-0 win over Napoli in their Champions League opener.
Here is the highlight of Haaland’s goal against Napoli as revealed on Man City’s official X handle, watch below:
Head-to-Head
Recent history between the two clubs tilts in Arsenal’s favour. The Gunners have won two of their last five meetings with Manchester City, including a stunning 5-1 victory in February 2025, and the other three fixtures ended in draws.
Arsenal 5-1 Manchester City (02 Feb 2025)
Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal (22 Sep 2024)
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal (31 Mar 2024)
Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City (08 Oct 2023)
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City (06 Aug 2023)
Team news
Both sides enter the match with notable absentees, adding further intrigue to the contest. Arsenal will be without several key players, including Gabriel Jesus (knee), Kai Havertz (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), and captain Martin Ødegaard (shoulder). These injuries present challenges for Arteta but also opportunities for younger talents and new signings to step up.
Manchester City also have injury concerns of their own. Rayan Cherki (thigh) and Omar Marmoush (knee) are ruled out, while Rayan Aït-Nouri (ankle) is doubtful.
Possible Line-up
The predicted Arsenal lineup in a 4-3-3 formation sees David Raya in goal, with Timber, Saliba, Magalhães, and Calafiori forming the defensive line. In midfield, Rice and Zubimendi are expected to provide stability, while Ethan Nwaneri adds youthful creativity. Further forward, Madueke and Eberechi Eze are likely to flank Viktor Gyökeres, who leads the line.
Arsenal’s possible line: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Magalhães, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Nwaneri, Madueke, Gyökeres, Eze
Guardiola is expected to field his side in a 4-1-4-1 system, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, protected by a back four of Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, and O’Reilly. Rodri will anchor the midfield, providing defensive cover and dictating tempo, while Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders offer creativity alongside Foden and Doku. Erling Haaland, of course, will be the focal point up front, tasked with breaking down Arsenal’s resilient defence.
Man City’s possible line-up: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Rodri, Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
Possible scoreline
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City
