Arsenal will face Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon in a highly anticipated clash between last season’s top two teams.
Elite-level football fans are salivating over this encounter, as both clubs have carried their form from last term into the current 2023/24 Premier League season, showcasing impressive performances thus far.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Form Guide
On a domestic front, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad is unbeaten in the Premier League and currently in third position. Unfortunately, the bigger picture reveals how the Gunner’s undefeated streak across all competitions ended during a midweek trip to Lens in the Champions League.
Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat in France, and the weaknesses in their performance can largely be attributed to Saka’s absence. The England international played a key role in creating the opening goal for Gabriel Jesus before being forced off the field due to injury in the 34th minute, shortly after Lens had equalised.
Without Saka, Arsenal lacked their usual consistency and posed less of a threat. This is likely why Arteta risked starting the youngster versus Lens, which was a scrutinised decision by critics. Arsenal struggled to demonstrate the same creativity and quality that the England international often brings to the team. Although Arsenal made a comeback attempt, it was to no avail without Saka’s ingenuity and skill.
Arsenal Win/Loss Record (Last 5):
- 2-1 loss vs. Lens (Champions League)
- 0-4 win vs. Bournemouth (Premier League) 0-4 win
- 0-1 win vs. Brentford (EFL Cup)
- 2-2 draw vs. Tottenham (Premier League)
- 4-0 win vs. PSV Eindhoven (Champions League)
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola and his treble-winning squad sit comfortably in first position of the Premier League. City did, however, suffer their first league loss since May last weekend, which marked their second defeat in just four days, following their loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup during the middle of the week.
Wolves shocked their visitors, and the winning goal exemplified their attacking approach throughout the game. But fortunately, the Citizens were able to return to the win column with a midweek UCL success over RB Leipzig.
Manchester City Win/Loss Record (Last 5):
- 1-3 win vs. RB Leipzig (Champions League)
- 2-1 loss vs. Wolves (Premier League)
- 1-0 loss vs. Newcastle (EFL Cup)
- 2-0 win vs. Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- 3-1 win vs. FK Crvena Zvezda (Champions League)
Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Injury Updates
Bukayo Saka may not be available for the upcoming Arsenal match due to an injury sustained during the Lens game earlier this week. However, there is some positive news: midfielder Thomas Partey has returned to the squad and could potentially appear against the opposing team. In addition, winger Gabriel Martinelli is working hard to recover from a hamstring injury in time for the clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
Oppositely, Pep Guardiola will be missing defensive midfielder Rodri, who is serving the last game of his three-match suspension. Bernardo Silva, who missed the previous three games due to a knock, has returned to the City squad.
Although John Stones has been dealing with a thigh problem since the Community Shield match against Arsenal, he was named a substitute in the recent RB Leipzig game. Finally, Mateo Kovacic, a summer signing, is back in contention after recovering from a lower back issue.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Head-to-Head
- Arsenal vs. Manchester City: 1-1 (Arsenal win on penalties) (Community Shield) – 6/8/23
- Manchester City vs. Arsenal: 4-1 (Man City win) (Premier League) – 26/4/23
- Arsenal vs. Manchester City: 1-1 (Man City win) (Premier League) – 15/2/23
- Manchester City vs. Arsenal: 1-1 (Man City win) (FA Cup) – 27/1/23
- Arsenal vs. Manchester City: 1-1 (Man City win) (Premier League) – 1/1/22
- Manchester City vs. Arsenal: 1-1 (Man City win) (Premier League) – 28/8/22
Arsenal vs. Manchester City: The Betting Odds
Manchester City 11/8
Arsenal 2/1
Draw 23/10
Unsurprisingly, the bookmaker’s odds have positioned the money line market with plus money on either side. It’s a difficult game to predict, and outside of the best free bet offers for 2023, the most intriguing value is probably found on the draw at a price of 23/10.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Prediction
The reigning champions enter this match with a surprising 2-1 loss at Wolverhampton Wanderers in their previous outing. However, this marked only their second defeat in 24 consecutive Premier League games. But we must factor in Manchester City’s performance on the road, with only a 50%-win rate in their last six league games away from home.
On the other hand, Arsenal had a comfortable victory against Bournemouth in their last game and remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season. The Gunners have consistently scored, netting at least two goals in six of their eight most recent league matches.
That said, it’s worth noting that Manchester City has emerged victorious in their last 12 Premier League encounters against Arsenal. Yet, some pundits will give Arsenal the upper hand as they defeated their EPL title rivals in the Community Shield (1-1, penalties).
In the current season of the English Premier League, the ‘Both Teams to Score’ market has been successful in 57.1% of Arsenal’s seven matches. Similarly, it has been successful in 57.1% of Man City’s seven games in the league. Considering the potential for tired legs from midweek UCL action and how free-flowing attacks have been prevalent in this fixture of late, backing BTTS is one of the safest bets to place.
The three most recent meetings between these sides ended 1-1, 4-1, and 3-1, respectively, with Manchester City winning both domestic encounters last term. However, the former (1-1) feels like the most likely repeatable result, as we expect neither team to secure all three points ahead of the international break.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City Best Bet: Both Teams to Score @ 4/6
Arsenal vs. Manchester City Best Betting Value: Draw @ 23/10
Arsenal vs. Manchester City Score Prediction: 1-1