The Premier League weekend concludes with a heavyweight showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City, as last season’s runners-up host the reigning champions on Sunday.
With seven matches in the books, third-placed Arsenal trail table-topping Man City by a solitary point, while Tottenham Hotspur are sandwiched between the two.
The hard work doesn't stop! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TrSTnd2AST— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 5, 2023
The hard work doesn't stop! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TrSTnd2AST
The Gunners are yet to taste defeat in the Premier League this season, while Pep Guardiola’s men have won six of their seven league outings.
Arsenal head into Sunday’s clash on the back of a 2-1 loss against Lens in the Champions League, despite racking up 67% possession and 11 shots in France.
It is worth remembering, however, that Tuesday’s defeat was Arsenal’s first loss of the season, having chalked up eight wins and two draws across all competitions.
In the Premier League, the Gunners have won five and drawn two of their seven matches, with a 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth coming last weekend.
That said, Mikel Arteta’s men have drawn two of their four home league games this season, playing out 2-2 stalemates with Fulham and Spurs.
Meanwhile, Manchester City claimed a comfortable 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in midweek, although Guardiola’s men have not been firing on all cylinders of late.
Following a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup, Man City suffered a 2-1 loss against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league, recording back-to-back defeats.
Still, the Cityzens have won nine of their previous 11 encounters across all competitions, scoring 24 goals in the process.
As a result, Man City are among the top scorers in the Premier League, and they also boast the best defensive record in the division, having conceded only five goals in seven games.
Head-to-head: Unfortunately for Arsenal, Man City have won each of their last 12 Premier League meetings with the Gunners.
To make matters worse, Arsenal’s last league win over City came all the way back in 2015. Since then, Guardiola’s side have avoided defeat in 15 games against the Gunners.
Team news: Arsenal are monitoring the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli ahead of Sunday’s showdown, although long-term injury absentee Jurrien Timber will not feature.
Manchester City will be without key midfielder Rodri due to suspension, while Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined due to a thigh injury.
Although the teams are separated by a solitary point in the standings, it is difficult to ignore Man City’s domination of this fixture in recent times.
Forebet predicts that Man City will get the better of Arsenal once again, with the visitors scoring over 2.5 goals on their way to victory.