All roads lead to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, October 8, 2023, as Arsenal entertain Manchester City in what promises to be a cracker of an encounter.
Despite losing their unbeaten run across all competitions on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Mikel Arteta’s side remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
The Gunners lost 2-1 to RC Lens in the UEFA Champions League, in what was their first defeat of the 2023/24 season.
Meanwhile, Manchester City bounced back from back-to-back defeats, defeating RB Leipzig on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, in their second group game in the UEFA Champions League.
Having suffered slim defeats to Newcastle United (1-0) in the Carabao Cup, and Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-1) in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s side was delighted to get back to winning ways.
The game on Sunday, October 8, 2023, promises to be a thrilling showdown, with both clubs facing each other for the second time in the space of 3 months.
Arsenal beat Manchester City in the community shield
Arsenal defeated Manchester City in the community shield by 1-4 on penalties, having played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Gunners are eagerly determined to secure a statement victory on Sunday, October 8, 2023, which could signal a possible power shift in the league.
However, Manchester City are admiring a shot at smashing the record for the most consecutive Premier League titles won, as they are currently tied with neighbors Manchester United on 3.
The Cityzens also heavily fortified in the summer of 2023, securing quality names and majority of those signings have all hit the ground running.
Sunday’s clash provides another opportunity to gauge the tactical capabilities of Mikel Arteta in comparison to his former boss Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal thankfully ended an aching run of not defeating Manchester City since July 2020 with the win in August 2023.
However, the North London club have suffered defeats in each of their previous 12 Premier League matches against Manchester City – a run that dates back to April 2, 2017, when they drew 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s men remain at the summit of the Premier League table with 18 points from 7 matches, while league-unbeaten Arsenal sit 3rd with 17 points from 7 matches.
Tottenham Hotspur have the opportunity to leapfrog Manchester City to the top spot if they defeat Luton Town on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Spurs could spend the next 24 hours at the summit of the log, pending the outcome of the Cityzens clash with Arsenal.
Team News For Arsenal
The gamble to play Bukayo Saka against RC Lens on Wednesday, October 3, 2023, backfired as the Englishman aggravated a hamstring problem in the early part of the game.
Fabio Viera would likely be utilized at right wing in place of Saka, and Goooners faithfuls will be hoping that he can produce the goods on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli is a doubt for the clash, as he is still nursing a hamstring issue, while Jurrien Timber remains sidelined due to a knee injury, and no timeframe has been given for his return.
Team News For Manchester City
Rodri will be unavailable for the clash due to suspension, having picked up a red card for violent conduct in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Kevin De Bruyne will also not feature in the encounter due to a critical hamstring injury, but Bernardo Silva and John Stones will be available and in contention to start against Arsenal.
Arsenal’s potential starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Vieira, Nketiah, Jesus
Manchester City’s potential starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland
Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City
The clash should provide fans with a spectacle, given the quality of both clubs and the array of stars at their disposal.
There will definitely be goals in the encounter as players of both clubs should have their scoring boots on.
However, the Arsenal and Manchester City contest will most likely end in a draw, just like it did in the community shield.
Kick Off Time: 04:30 PM
