To increase their chances of winning this match, Arsenal will need to keep Haaland at bay.
Image credit: City HQ
The Premier League title race takes center stage this weekend as Arsenal host Manchester City in a high-stakes encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are looking to maintain their unbeaten home record this season, while Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens aim to close the gap in the title chase.
Arsenal’s Momentum & Home Fortress
Arsenal have been the most in-form team in the Premier League since gameweek 11, collecting an impressive 29 points.
They also remain the only team yet to lose at home this season, a streak they will be determined to extend.
Their recent 1-0 victory over Wolves was overshadowed by Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card, which has since been overturned.
In the Champions League, the Gunners overcame an early scare to beat Girona 2-1, thanks to goals from Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri.
With a well-rested squad and key players stepping up, Arsenal will be confident in their ability to outmaneuver City once again, having avoided defeat in their last three league meetings against them.
Man City’s Resurgence & Challenges
Manchester City have rediscovered their groove after a rocky start to the year.
Their six-match unbeaten run in the league, coupled with a resilient comeback against Chelsea last weekend, signals their intent.
However, they narrowly avoided a Champions League disaster against Club Brugge, with a second-half rally saving them from elimination. While Guardiola’s squad depth is unmatched, key injuries to Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Jeremy Doku could leave them vulnerable.
KDB's eight beautiful goals against Arsenal 🪄🎨 pic.twitter.com/3dikahrbgT
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 31, 2025
Historically, City have dominated the second half of the season, losing just one of their last 40 league games after January. But Arsenal’s recent resurgence means they will not have it easy at the Emirates.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Arsenal
David Raya remains a doubt, with Arteta hinting that the goalkeeper may not recover in time. Meanwhile, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all ruled out due to injuries.
However, Lewis-Skelly’s return is a boost, and Nwaneri could earn a starting spot after his heroics in the Champions League.
Predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli
Manchester City
Guardiola confirmed that Rodri, Dias, Doku, Ake, and Bobb will miss the clash.
However, new signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis are available while Khusanov’s shaky debut against Chelsea may keep him on the bench.
Predicted XI: Ederson; Nunes, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Marmoush
Prediction & Final Thoughts
Arsenal’s defensive solidity and home advantage make them slight favorites, especially given their recent success against City.
If they can contain Erling Haaland and capitalize on City’s defensive absences, a narrow win is on the cards.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City
This clash could have massive implications for the title race, keeping Liverpool on edge as the battle at the top intensifies.
Expect a tactical chess match, a few fiery moments, and potentially, a defining result in the Premier League season.
Who do you think will come out on top? Drop your predictions in the comments!