Arsenal vs Man City: Live Stream, Prediction & Lineups

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Match Overview

Arsenal and Manchester City renew their fierce rivalry in a crucial Premier League game at the Emirates. Arsenal recently secured their place in the Champions League round of 16 with a narrow win over Girona, finishing third in the standings. Now, manager Mikel Arteta must focus on the league as his side faces Manchester City—a match that could prove vital in the title race.

After a controversial away win at Wolves that saw a key red card later overturned, Arsenal know they cannot afford to drop more points, especially with Liverpool pressuring the top of the table. Meanwhile, Manchester City, fresh from a comeback win over Chelsea at the Etihad, are looking to regain their dominance over Arsenal. Although City have been strong overall, they have struggled in recent meetings with the Gunners. The two teams last played out a goalless draw that featured plenty of chances, so expect a tense battle at the Emirates.

Team News & Tactics

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s side will be eager to build on their recent success, though there is some concern over goalkeeper David Raya, who missed the Girona game with a muscle issue. Arteta has been managing the squad carefully, having rested key players like William Saliba, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice for midweek duties. Expect these stars to return for the big clash.

Arsenal are likely to play in a 4-3-3 formation:

Goalkeeper: David Raya (if fit)
Defence: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Calafiori (who has impressed enough to keep his place despite Lewis-Skelly’s availability)
Midfield: Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice, with Rice expected to play a more advanced role as he continues his impressive form
Attack: On the wings, Arteta might give teenager Ethan Nwaneri a run on the right, while Kai Havertz leads the line alongside Leandro Trossard

Probable Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Havertz, Trossard

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s men are largely free from fresh injury concerns after their midweek clash, although several players remain sidelined. Key absentees include Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Nathan Ake, and Jeremy Doku. Last weekend, new signing Abdukodir Khusanov started, but Guardiola is expected to revert to a more familiar look with John Stones and Manuel Akanji anchoring the back.

Manchester City will likely use a 4-1-4-1 formation:

Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defence: Matheus Nunes, Stones, Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol (with Nunes playing at right-back ahead of Rico Lewis)
Midfield: Mateo Kovacic in a deeper role to shield the defence
Attack: In the four-man line ahead of Erling Haaland, expect Phil Foden to start on one wing, with Kevin De Bruyne and Omar Marmoush adding creativity, and Silva joining the mix

Probable Manchester City Lineup (4-1-4-1):
Ederson; Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic; Foden, Silva, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland

Key Stats

Arsenal Unbeaten Run: The Gunners are undefeated in their last 13 Premier League matches and have not lost to Manchester City in their last three league encounters.
City’s Scoring Record: Manchester City have scored at least two goals in their last five league matches.
City Consistency: They have lost only once in 40 games from January to the season’s end.
Impact Players: Savinho has been directly involved in five goals in his last six appearances for City.

Player to Watch

Declan Rice

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Rice has been outstanding in recent weeks, showing excellent form and fitness that has given Arteta a boost. His ability to drive forward from midfield and support the attack will be crucial against City, especially with Rodri sidelined. Rice’s versatility and strong presence in midfield will be key in controlling the game at the Emirates.

Arsenal vs Man City Prediction

With both teams under pressure, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter. Arsenal will be keen to keep up their impressive run, while City will want to reassert their dominance. Given the tactical setups and recent performances, we expect a narrow victory for the home side: