Manchester City are on a nine-match unbeaten run against Arsenal in all competitions. That includes five straight wins over the Gunners in league and cup fixtures.
Arsenal have not defeated Manchester City in a competitive match since December 2015, when they won at the Emirates 2-1. Interim manager Freddie Ljungberg will hope he can make a case for the permanent job with a win over the Cityzens.
Manchester City go into the weekend fixture following a 2-1 derby defeat at the hands of Manchester United. It was a similar performance from the Cityzens to the one shown against Liverpool. After conceding a goal, Manchester City showed little in the way of resilience to come back.
Although they made things interesting, Manchester City ultimately fell to their rival. Pep Guardiola’s team did rebound with a 4-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb on the Champions League on Tuesday, but that result was expected.
Arsenal came from a goal down last Monday to defeat West Ham 3-1. They followed it up with a come from behind 2-2 draw in the Europa League on Thursday against Standard Liege.
Ljungberg’s Gunners are scoring goals but continuing to concede them. Conceding goals was an issue for Emery’s team and it hasn’t got better under the interim manager.
Guardiola could have a major boost as Sergio Aguero is nearing a return from a thigh injury. It is likely that Guardiola will save Aguero for Manchester City’s big match against Leicester City next weekend.
John Stones will miss the fixture due to a hamstring injury. Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho will most likely be paired in central defence. Oleksandr Zinchenko could be back in the Manchester City team for the fixture. He has been a big miss at left-back.
Arsenal will be without their own left-back Kieran Tierney after he dislocated his shoulder last weekend. Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding are both nearing fitness and could make the team.
Meanwhile, midfielders Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka are both ruled out through injury. Ceballos should be back in training this month while Xhaka will miss out due to a concussion.
Arsenal have struggled against Manchester City in the last four seasons. That trend should continue as the Cityzens win at the Emirates for the fourth consecutive match in all competitions.
Seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions have seen both teams score. Meanwhile, eight of their last 10 games have had over 2.5 goals scored.
Sunday’s match should once again see both teams find the back of the net as they combine for over 2.5 goals. Manchester City will get another away win over Arsenal to extend their unbeaten run.