Manchester City host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal tonight in what could be a big moment in the Premier League title race.
City defeated Sheffield United 3-0 in the FA Cup semi-final in their last game – with Riyad Mahrez scoring a hat-trick for Guardiola’s men.
The Manchester side currently sit second in the league and are five points behind the Gunners. With that being said, the club still have two games in hand.
As for Arsenal, Arteta’s side come into the game off the back of a 3-3 draw at home to Southampton – with Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka scoring for the league leaders.
Mail Sport breaks down everything you need to know ahead of Manchester City’s meeting with Arsenal including how to watch and team news.
Manchester City come into the game off the back of a 3-0 win over Sheffield United
League leaders Arsenal dropped points in their last game, drawing 3-3 against Southampton
When is Manchester City vs Arsenal?
The showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal will take place this evening, with the game kicking off at 8pm.
For those watching in the US, kick-off will get underway at 3pm ET and 2pm CT.
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This evening’s game between the two sides will take place at the Etihad Stadium, where City have won all of their last five games in all competitions.
City fans will certainly be confident heading into the game. The club have won all of their last five games against the Gunners. The two sides last met in February, when City were victorious. Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland secured a 3-1 win for Guardiola’s men.
Haaland is City’s top scorer this season, with 48 in all competitions. The Norwegian has scored six goals in his last five games.
Martinelli is the Gunners’ top scorer this season with 15 in all competitions. The Brazilian has scored three goals in his last five games.
City’s top scorer Erling Haaland (L) will go head-to-head with Arsenal’s top scorer Martinelli (R)
How to watch
This evening’s clash between City and Arsenal will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate, with coverage getting underway at 7pm.
The game between the two teams will also be streamed on the BT Sport app.
Highlights will be uploaded to the official BT Sport YouTube channel after the game.
Mail Sport will also be providing live coverage of Manchester City vs Arsenal, so you can keep up-to-date with all the latest developments here.
The showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal will take place at the Etihad Stadium
Team news
After scoring a hat-trick at the weekend, Riyad Mahrez will be pushing for a start against Arsenal.
Both Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri were named on the bench in City’s win over Sheffield United, with both pushing for a start tomorrow.
Nathan Ake is the only major absentee for City. The defender picked up a hamstring injury during the club’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash with Bayern Munich.
Phil Foden recently returned to the side after recovering from an appendix surgery and is in line to feature, while Haaland is expected to feature from the off for City.
As for Arsenal, the big news coming out of the side is that William Saliba will miss the clash with City as the defender has a ‘structural damage’ in his back.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny both remain out, while Granit Xhaka still remains a doubt after missing the draw with Southampton.
Gabriel Jesus is once again expected to lead the line, with Bukayo Saka and Martinelli either side of the forward.
Predicted Manchester City XI (3-2-4-1): Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Laporte; Stones, Rodri; Mahrez, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Vieira, Partey; Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Fabio Vieira may start yet again in midfield for Arsenal in Granit Xhaka’s absence
Kevin De Bruyne looks set to return to the starting eleven after he was named on the bench in City’s last game
What’s been said?
Heading into the game, Guardiola revealed that his side being second this late in the season means his team have not matched the levels of the last two title-winning title campaigns.
The Spaniard was quick to praise Arsenal and their incredible form throughout the season so far.
‘I didn’t have [the feeling] we were making a bad bad season or we drop a lot of games. The problem was Arsenal were unstoppable’, Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.
‘They made 50 points in one half. When this happens it’s hats off.
‘I think we didn’t drop in comparison much from the previous seasons. But at the end we were consistent, kept believing, stayed there, game by game knowing what we have to do and in the end the situation is the situation.
‘But at home where we feel comfortable with our people, I know everyone will be there and we will feel them. Hopefully our football can help to make them feel more and more. We will see. After, the players will do their best.’
Pep Guardiola was quick to give Arsenal praise heading into this evening’s fixture at the Etihad
Mikel Arteta revealed that the game with Manchester City will not define Arsenal’s season
Despite the game being big for the title race, Arteta revealed that the game will not define the season.
‘We wanted to close that gap as much as we could and we’re toe-to-toe with them, Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
‘We knew we had to go to the Etihad. Is it going to define the season? The answer is no.’
The Spaniard also gave his thoughts on the clash with Guardiola’s men.
‘(It’s a) Tough game and a challenge but this is what we want. We have to go to City and we have to beat them. If you want to be champions. You have to beat everyone. It’s as simple as that. We have to focus a lot in us. We have to understand what they do and prepare for that. But, we have to focus on our strengths and how we can cause them problems.’
Odds
Manchester City to win – 1/2
Arsenal to win – 9/2
Draw – 7/2
Arsenal to win each half and Arsenal to have the most corners in each half – 500/1
All odds via Paddy Power and correct at the time of publication.
Manchester City will be looking for a statement win when they face Arsenal tomorrow
Prediction
With Arsenal drawing their last three games in a row, now is the perfect chance for City to pounce and close in on the league leaders.
Despite their mixed start to the season, City seem to be stepping up a gear at the right time. If Haaland features from the off, it could be a long night at the office for the Gunners.
Despite being top of the league, the onus will actually be on City to get the win. The Gunners have not won at the Etihad since 2015 but will be hoping to get the job done tomorrow.
If the frontline are causing havoc for City’s backline from the off, there is a chance that the north London side could sneak an impressive result away from home.
Prediction: 3-1 Manchester City