The Emirates prepares for a seismic showdown on Sunday as Arsenal welcome champions Manchester City in a clash that could shape the early Premier League title race.
Both sides arrive fresh from Champions League victories and with plenty of momentum, but with contrasting recent records against one another.
Arsenal – Momentum building under Arteta
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners returned from Spain buoyant after a second-half surge earned them three points against Athletic Bilbao.
Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard found the net, proving Arsenal’s strength in depth as they chase glory on multiple fronts.
Domestically, the North Londoners have started with three wins from four, and with back-to-back Emirates routs over Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, belief is high.
After finishing runners-up three seasons in a row, Arsenal are desperate to finally lift the Premier League crown, and they hold an unbeaten run of five games against City, signaling a potential shift in power.
Manchester City – Gears clicking into place
Pep Guardiola’s champions endured a slow start to the campaign but have rediscovered their bite.
A derby demolition of Manchester United was followed by a controlled 2-0 win over Napoli in Europe.
Erling Haaland, with six goals already this season, looks sharp and has fond memories against Arsenal, having scored in both league meetings last term.
However, City have failed to beat the Gunners in five straight encounters, a stark contrast to their previous dominance when they strung together eight consecutive wins. Sunday provides a chance to reassert authority at the Emirates.
Team News
Arsenal are still without Bukayo Saka, meaning Noni Madueke should continue on the right.
Martin Ødegaard remains a doubt with a shoulder problem, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are long-term absentees.
Martinelli and Trossard push to start after their midweek impact, while Eberechi Eze may drop out following a quiet European debut.
City, meanwhile, could welcome back John Stones to bolster their backline. New signings Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush remain sidelined, as does Rayan Ait-Nouri, meaning youngster Nico O’Reilly should continue at left-back.
Haaland, Foden, and Doku are expected to spearhead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
Manchester City (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Rodri, Silva, Reijnders; Foden, Haaland, Doku
Match Info
Competition: Premier League
Date: 21 September 2024
Kickoff: 4:30PM (WAT)
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Referee: Stuart Attwell
What’s at Stake
Arsenal seek to prove their title credentials by extending their unbeaten streak against Guardiola’s men, while City aim to halt that run and re-establish their dominance in this heavyweight rivalry.
With both sides already chasing Liverpool at the summit, the stakes are high for momentum and psychological edge in the championship battle.
