Manchester City will play one of their toughest games of the new Premier League season when they face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on Sunday. Man City are currently perched at the top of the table with 12 points in four games, maintaining their perfect start to the season. Their outstanding consistency under Pep Guardiola shows that they are once again the favourites to lift the league title for the fifth consecutive time.
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Erling Haaland has been at the centre of their success, with nine goals in just four games in this campaign. Manchester City haven’t lost a single game at the Etihad since November 2022. It clearly shows how herculean of a challenge this is for the Gunners.
Don’t worry, @Arsenal:
“We will be there. We will be ready.” – Rúben Dias pic.twitter.com/9cgVWDCQms
— City Chief (@City_Chief) September 18, 2024
Meanwhile, Arsenal have also fared well with 10 points and are placed second in the table. They have improved their squad this summer and look primed to be Guardiola’s closest rivals once again.
Last season, Arteta’s side got the better of the men in blue by grabbing four points in two games. However, looking at their injury issues and Man City’s near-perfect start in all competitions, the home side will be in the driver’s seat this time around.
The only major concern for the Cityzens will be Kevin de Bruyne’s injury scare against Inter Milan last night. It appeared as if the captain suffered a groin injury and was substituted in the first half. His chances of participating in the razor-tight encounter still look good, though.
HERE’S HOW MANCHESTER CITY COULD LINEUP VS ARSENAL
Defence: Ederson; Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol
Guardiola is expected to use the same players in defence that fought hard in the 0-0 draw against Inter in match day one of the Champions League. Ederson saved a number of shots and is an undisputed starter at the back.
Lewis was impressive with his forward play and was very lively in the midfield region. His energy and versatility will be key for City.
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Akanji and Dias are colossal figures at the back and have successfully kept the visitors’s world-class attack quiet in their previous encounters. Gvardiol is equally involved in defence and attack; his quick switch of play is an asset.
Nathan Ake continues to recover from his injury and is sidelined. Kyle Walker would need to find solace on the bench as well.
Midfield: Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin de Bruyne
The Ballon d’Or contendor, Rodri, will operate in the defensive midfield role as usual, with Kovacic playing more like an anchor in the middle. De Bruyne was the outlet of goalscoring chances vs. Inter, and his presence is huge for Guardiola’s team.
🚨🇧🇪 Pep Guardiola on Kevin de Bruyne subbed off at half time: “I’ll have more info on his conditions on Thursday”.
“Back to face Arsenal? We’ll see from tomorrow”. pic.twitter.com/4DQH5Ojhrg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 18, 2024
Although his injury scared the fans, he is expected to make it to this game. He still needs to be careful, as we expect to see a peak physical show on Sunday.
Attack: Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku
Silva and Doku will be entrusted with bombarding crosses into Arsenal’s box. The latter brought life to Man City’s attack when he came on as a second-half substitute against Inter. We hope that he rattles the Gunner’s full-backs with his frightening pace.
Meanwhile, Haaland has struggled to make his mark against Mikel Arteta’s side in their previous two clashes. The Norwegian striker is in good shape at the moment, and he will be working hard to add more numbers to his already impressive tally.
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Phil Foden has had a stop-start return since the international break and is yet to make his way back into the team. He will be on the bench along with new summer signing Savinho.
Man City predicted XI vs Arsenal: Ederson, Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku.
