It may only be match week five but Manchester City and Arsenal will meet for the first time this season at the weekend in a massive match that could define the rest of the Premier League title race.
It’s still very early days, of course, but the table is already looking finely poised for this epic clash of the tians.
Manchester City are the only team to still hold a 100% Premier League record after coming from behind to defeat Brentford last weekend and sit at the top of the league on 12 points.
Arsenal are just behind City on 10, with a draw to Brighton the only blemish on their record after defeating North London rivals Tottenham last week.
Both teams played tricky opening Champions League fixtures against Italian teams that wear blue and black stripes in midweek, which is far from ideal preparation.
City were held to a goalless draw at home to Inter in a rematch of the 2023 final, while Mikel Arteta’s side also played out a 0-0 with Atalanta in Bergamo.
Pep Guardiola, at least, has had an extra day to prepare with his players, as the Gunners played their match on Thursday, which could make a difference in a game of marginal gains.
It may be the opening stages of the season, but Ruben Dias has promised that City are ready to face Arsenal, and the importance of the match can not be denied. Here is everything you need to know.
Man City vs Arsenal kick-off time
City’s blockbuster clash with Arsenal will be the weekend’s main event and played on Sunday, September 22. Kick-off comes at 4:30 pm.
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How to watch Man City vs Arsenal
Manchester City vs Arsenal will be televised live in the United Kingdom so there are multiple ways to watch the match.
TV channel
Sky Sports will be broadcasting City vs Arsenal on their Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports main event channels.
Coverage of the match will begin at 4 pm following the conclusion of the day’s opening Super Sunday game between Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
City vs Arsenal live stream
If you are a Sky customer, the match will also be available to live stream on their online streaming platform Sky Go.
If not, you can purchase a Now TV day membership pass which will allow you to stream all the day’s Sky Sports coverage and stream it on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
A day pass costs £14.99, a flexible monthly membership is £34.99 and a 12-month contract costs £26 a month.
Manchester City vs Arsenal team news
Both teams go into the crucial fixture without key players, making it an even more unpredictable affair.
The Blues are sweating on the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne as the brilliant Belgian was taken off at the break against Inter after picking up a knock.
Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees but there are no other injury concerns, with Rodri and Phil Foden getting some useful minutes under their belts on Wednesday.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are without captain and star playmaker Martin Odegaard who is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after the ankle injury he suffered on international duty was worse than first feared.
The Gunners are also without new signing Mikel Merino, former City man Aleks Zinchenko and fellow defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney.
However, Arteta will be delighted to have Declan Rice back available after his one-game suspension.
Referee and officials
Unsurprisingly, Michael Oliver has been the man appointed to ensure such a massive game goes smoothly. The full list of officials is:
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- Assistants: Stuart Burt, Dan Cook
- Fourth official: Andy Madley
- VAR: John Brooks
- Assistant VAR: Richard West
Prediction
If people were a bit bored by watching a team sit deep and hit City on the counter when Inter came to town, get ready for round two on Sunday.
Brentford and the Italian champions have given the blue print on how to disrupt City over the last week and better finishing from either team would have seen them earn victories.
The Blues escaped that fate but Arteta no doubt took notice of the Blues’ early frailty so far this season.
Arsenal had the best defensive record in the Premier League last term and will likely look to keep things tight and frustrating at the Etihad. It could make for another tight slog of a game.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
