- Date: Sunday March 31 – 16:30 BST
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Teams: Manchester City vs Arsenal
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Huge match in the title race as City host Gunners
Premier League leaders Arsenal visit third placed Manchester City with only a point separating the two sides. Mikel Arteta’s side could be replaced at the top of the table before kick off, with second placed Liverpool, level on points with Arsenal, host Brighton and Hove Albion. The Citizens, chasing the treble for what would be an unprecedented second consecutive year, are title favourites, but a win for Arsenal would swing the balance towards North London as we head into the run-in.
Manchester City
City have been on a superb run since the Festive period and Pep Guardiola’s side are favourites to win the Premier League and become the first English side to win four consecutive top flight titles. They continues to fight on four fronts but, despite their outstanding home record, will know that they face the sternest of tests in the shape of an inform Arsenal.
City’s cause has not been helped by the international break, with Kyle Walker and John Stones both sustaining injuries. Guardiola is hoping that Kevin de Bruyne will be fit and there have been positive signs that the Belgium playmaker will make it, though he remains a doubt. Manuel Akanji, withdrawn from international duty with Switzerland, is expected to make it. First-choice goalkeeper Ederson is also making good progress and looks likley to return.
Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes picked up a knock during the international break, however, there is, at the time of writing, no news on his condition. Jack Grealish is fit again, however, the best he can hope for at the moment is a place on the bench.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s form in 2024 has been nothing short of outstanding, racking up eight straight Premier League wins and scoring goals for fun. An FA Cup exit to Liverpool and an away defeat to Porto in the Champions League, have been the only defeats in that period, and the Porto reverse was cancelled out with a 1-0 home win and subsequent victory on penalties.
The Gunners are fighting for both the title and the Champions League. A win away at City would put them four points clear of Guardiola’s side and would keep the pressure on Liverpool, whatever the Reds’ result against Brighton. It would also send out a huge statement regarding their Champions League credentials. A trip to the Etihad is one of the most difficult in world football and a draw would maintain their slender advantage on City and would keep them right in the race.
Like City, Arsenal have suffered a couple of injury blows in the last couple of weeks, with both Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes and England forward Bukayo Saka withdrawing from their country’s camps before a ball was kicked in the international break. Gabriel Martinelli, who scored against City in Arsenal’s win back in October, is also a doubt with a foot problem. Arteta is hopeful that all three could play some part in procedings, though, naturally, their participation is shrouded in doubt.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey played in a friendly against Queens Park Rangers, behind closed doors, during the international break, and Arteta is likely to have both available. Jurrien Timber (ACL) is making progress and is expected to be available before the end of the season, however, the City game will come too soon for him.
Prediction
City are unbeaten at home since 2023 and, despite the excellent form of Arsenal and Liverpool, remain title favourites. However, this match against Arsenal is a hugely difficult task for Guardiola’s side, especially given the fitness concerns over some of their key players. Arsenal come into the match in superb form and know that a victory will give them a four point cushion over City. We expect a tight game, but we expect City’s unbeaten home record to emerge intact. We think that this will be a score-draw.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Odds correct as of 12:00 on 27.03.24. Odds subject to change.
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