The highly awaited showdown in the Premier League is scheduled for Sunday evening when Man City welcomes Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium. This match carries significant importance as both teams strive for supremacy in the season’s early phase, adding intensity to the competition.
The defending champions have, however, been in strong form against Arsenal in recent encounters, winning three, drawing two, and losing one of their last six meetings with the Gunners.On team news, Man City face potential challenges with key absentees.Manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that playmaker Kevin De Bruyne remains a doubt for the fixture after he was forced off during City’s UEFA Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Wednesday.
Arsenal, on the other hand, come into the match following a hard-fought 1-0 win over rivals Tottenham Hotspur.However, they will be without captain Martin Odegaard, who has been sidelined with a significant ankle injury.
Defender Nathan Ake is ruled out after suffering an injury while on international duty with the Netherlands.On the positive side for City, midfielder Rodri, who made a return to the squad as a substitute against Brentford, is expected to be in contention for a starting spot.Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the midfielder’s absence, stating he will be out “for a while.”
The Gunners will welcome back Declan Rice, who is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension for his red card against Brighton.
