Arsenal v Manchester City – Line-ups, stats and preview
Arsenal take on Manchester City this coming Sunday in the Premier League. Read our in-depth preview here.
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Match Preview for Arsenal v Man City
Two of the Premier League’s heavyweights collide at the Emirates this weekend as Arsenal host Manchester City in what could be an early marker in the title race.
Arsenal arrive with plenty of confidence after a Champions League win at Athletic Bilbao, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both coming off the bench to score.
Domestically, Mikel Arteta’s side sit second in the table behind Liverpool, with three wins from four and an unbeaten run at home that has seen them hit Leeds for five and sweep Nottingham Forest aside 3-0.
City also head into the clash in good form. After a stuttering start to the season, Pep Guardiola’s men have bounced back with a 3-0 Manchester derby triumph and a comfortable Champions League win over Napoli.
Erling Haaland looks back to his devastating best, already scoring six this season and netting in each of his last two league appearances against the Gunners.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five meetings with City – a notable turnaround after Guardiola’s side won eight straight between 2020 and 2023.
With the balance of power appearing to shift, this clash carries huge significance for both clubs.
Team news for Arsenal v Man City
Arsenal could shuffle their attacking options after Eberechi Eze’s difficult European debut. Both Martinelli and Trossard impressed off the bench in midweek and are pushing for starts on the left flank.
On the opposite side, Bukayo Saka is still unavailable, so Noni Madueke is expected to keep his place.
Midfield concerns remain with Martin Odegaard a doubt due to a shoulder issue, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are long-term absentees with knee injuries.
For City, John Stones may return after a muscular problem, handing Guardiola a timely defensive boost.
Several summer arrivals remain sidelined: Rayan Cherki (muscle), Omar Marmoush (knee), and Rayan Ait-Nouri (knock). With left-back options limited, youngster Nico O’Reilly should continue in the back four.
Expected line-ups for Arsenal v Man City
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Man City: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Rodri, Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland
How to watch Arsenal v Man City: TV channel, online stream
The match will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with kick-off at 4:30pm BST.
Live coverage on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with streaming via Sky Go and NOW TV.
In the US, the match will be available on NBC Sports and Peacock.
The stats for Arsenal v Man City
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five meetings with City
- Erling Haaland has scored in two straight Premier League games against the Gunners
- Arsenal have won both league matches at home this season by an aggregate score of 8-0
- City began the campaign with two defeats in three games, but have since won back-to-back fixtures
- Arteta’s men have finished runners-up in the last three Premier League seasons
Prediction
The Emirates has become a fortress for Arsenal, and even without Saka and Odegaard, Arteta’s squad depth gives them plenty of firepower.
City’s resurgence means this will be far from straightforward, but with the crowd behind them and momentum on their side, the Gunners may edge it.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City