Arsenal vs Man City: Premier League team news and prediction
Arsenal and Manchester City face off on Wednesday evening in a rescheduled game from earlier in the season, in what is a massive clash in the title race. City have won the last 10 Premier League meetings, but come up against a much different Gunners side, who sit top of the league and are yet to lose on home soil in the league this term.
Ahead of this one, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the top of the table clash, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Wednesday 15th February, 19:30 GMT
Where is the match?
Emirates Stadium, London (England)
What TV channel is it on?
Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video app and Amazon Prime website.
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Recent Form
Arsenal made it three competitive games without a win on Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Brentford at home. It is their longest run of games without a win in all competitions this season. Prior to the loss away to Everton in the Premier League, their only other league loss in 2022/23 was all the way back in September at Old Trafford, losing 3-1 to Manchester United.
After losing away to rivals Tottenham, Manchester City returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-1 over Aston Villa on Sunday. Their form has been mixed this season, with three wins their longest consecutive winning run in the league, which they have done on two occasions this season, but they are still the league’s top scorers by 10 clear goals (56).
Team news
Mohamed Elneny will be out for an extended period of time after undergoing surgery for a knee injury, while Gabriel Jesus remains out with a knee issue. Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe are both close to returning from injuries, but this game will definitely come too soon for the pair.
John Stones continues to miss out with a thigh injury, while Erling Haaland, who came off at half-time during Sunday's match against Aston Villa, is set to start after Pep Guardiola confirmed his substitution was more of a precautionary measure.
Probable XIs
Arsenal (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Ake; Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland
Key battle: Martin Odegaard vs Kevin De Bruyne
Two of the league’s best creators, Martin Odegaard and Kevin De Bruyne, face off for the first time in the league this season, with their influence vital to the outcome of this game. While they are both known for their goal contributions, their gameplay has an impact at both end of the pitch and underlines why the winner of this battle could see their team win on the day.
While some have questioned De Bruyne’s form, he still ranks top in Europe’s top five leagues for assists (11) and key passes (69) this season, while also scoring three goals. Odegaard has scored more goals (8) than De Bruyne and is Arsenal’s top scorer this season and with his five assists, ranks sixth in the league for goals contributions (13), one behind De Bruyne (14). But, when it comes to dribbles, of those players to attempt 30+, Odegaard ranks third in the league for success rate (61.5%).
Both players work hard off the ball, ranking second and third, respectively, in the league for possession won in the attacking third, De Bruyne (26) and Odegaard (24), which goes to show their authority over a game.
Score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City
