A top-of-the-table clash beckons in the English Premier League on Sunday, March 31, 2024 – a game that is indeed a potential title-deciding affair sees Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners lead the way in the Premier League with 64 points, Liverpool are level on points with Mikel Arteta’s side, but behind on goal difference, while Manchester City sit third with 63 points.
Manchester City and Arsenal – a title deciding showdown
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently eyeing a record of being the first team to win four PL titles in a row, and this clash is of high importance to both clubs.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are looking to win their first PL title for the first time since the 2003/04 season, when they were crowned the Invincibles.
The Cityzens head into this match on a scintillating run of 22 games unbeaten, winning 19 games and drawing three.
Both clubs have faced off twice this season, once in the Premier League and the Community Shield, with the Gunners coming out victorious on both occasions, winning the Community Shield on penalties and 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the reverse league fixture.
Arsenal have always found it hard to win at the Etihad Stadium, as the last time they won at the venue was in 2015.
The Gunners will now look to put all of the gloomy records behind them on Sunday, March 31, 2024, as they look to ride on their imperious run at away grounds this term.
The North London side became the first team in English Football history to win three straight matches on the road by 5+ goals, and they will be aiming to be reverberating at the Etihad.
However, Pep Guardiola’s City obviously provide a bigger test to their title credentials and the upcoming encounter promises to be highly competitive.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City Team News
The International break saw both clubs suffer injuries to major team players, but some are beginning to return to training while some have been ruled out.
Pep Guardiola ruled out the possibility of having Kyle Walker and John Stones saying they are completely ruled out.
He added that Ederson is much better and has returned to training but didn’t clearly state if he will start.
Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish have both returned to training and are in contention to return to the lineup on Sunday. Akanji is also fit.
Arsenal Team News
For Arsenal, Mikel Arteta did not rule out the possibility of having Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Magalhaes.
They have not trained yet. However, the coach added that they have another training session tomorrow and they can be a part of the squad.
Manchester City vs Arsenal Potential Line-ups
Manchester City (3-2-4-1): Ederson Moraes; Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji; Rodri, Mateo Kovacic; Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Jack Grealish; Erling Braut Haaland.
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior; Declan Rice, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
Kick-off Time And Date: 04:30 PM, Sunday, March 31, 2024
