It has become the most hotly anticipated match-up in the Premier League in recent seasons. Manchester City and Arsenal are the two title race favourites, as they were last year, when City beat the Gunners to the tape by just two points having overhauled them only late in the 2022/23 season as well.
Despite some tricky fixtures, particularly on Arsenal’s part, the pair have emerged as the top two in the league already after just four games each. City have won all four, but hit a small hitch when held by Inter in the Champions League in midweek. Arsenal also drew 0-0 with an Italian side in the Champions League, fending off Atalanta, and are two points back of City on travelling to the Etihad. The hosts are favourites, at a shade of odds on at 17/20 with William Hill and Midnite, while Arsenal can be backed at 18/5 with Betfair and BetMGM. The draw may appeal to many at 13/5 with Unibet.
Man City vs Arsenal Tips
Tip #1 – Ben White to be First Player Booked @ 12/1 with Hills & Betway
Arsenal’s gameplan may be very similar to when these sides met back in March: contain knowing a point is a good result. If anything, Martin Ødegaard’s absence may only exacerbate Mikel Arteta’s desire for his side to be well-drilled in this contest, though with City not quite firing on all cylinders, they may just manage it.
One area Pep Guardiola may see as a defensive weakness in the Gunners’ setup, if there is one at all, is Ben White at right back. Where he can pick and choose the makeup of his defence, Arteta relies on his reliable yardsticks to deliver time and again, but White will have his work cut out to avoid giving away fouls against either Jack Grealish or Jeremy Doku, the likeliest starters on that side, and who both win a number of fouls. If White is drawn in, particularly in any counterattacking scenario, he looks a more likely yellow card than most, without too many rash tacklers in either side.
Tip #2 – Both Teams to Score in First Half @ 4/1 with bet365
There was only one goal across four halves of Premier League football between these two teams last season, and that came via a heavily deflected strike. As a result, suggesting both will score in the first half is a gamble, but it does look plausible looking at the likely mentality and recent form of both sides.
Arsenal have not been prolific this term, but for all they would have been delighted with a 0-0 in Bergamo in midweek against inferior opposition to City, there may well be part of Arteta’s mind which casts itself back to the Etihad 0-0 in March. At the time, that seemed a very positive result heading into the run-in, but a victory would have won them the title and it was potentially there for the taking too.
Even without Ødegaard, there may be an acceptance that they have to try and win this game this season, especially as a 4-1 defeat here derailed them two seasons back. City have conceded early on three occasions in the league so far too, so it is very possible they manage it, while the hosts can always rely on finding Erling Haaland and will be keen themselves to put their stamp on this tie.
Guardiola will know that Arteta will set out his side to match his key players, but if there is one manager who loves a tactical battle more than most, it is him. Expect him to find a way of breaking the defensive wall.
Man City Performances So Far
Four wins from four can never be disappointing, but Pep may be wary that his side have not quite reached top gear as yet. Brentford provided a sterner test than expected and Inter subsequently held them although goals have flowed far more fluidly for them than their opponents here.
Man City Last 5 Results
Man City 0-0 Inter
Man City 2-1 Brentford
West Ham 1-3 Man City
Man City 4-1 Ipswich
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
Arsenal Performances So Far
It has been a more dogged start from Arsenal, who have had to dig far deeper for results, albeit broadly against tougher opposition than City. 10 points would have been a target met after their first four fixtures, though they may have to step up once again to fend off their biggest current rivals.
Arsenal Last 5 Results
Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal
Spurs 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Brighton
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves