Arsenal are facing a must win game against Manchester City at the Emirates, looking to keep their Premier League title hopes alive. Arsenal have been sitting comfortably at second place for much of the season as Mikel Arteta’s side now find themselves in a position where anything less than three points could severely damage their championship hopes. Manchester City meanwhile, can move within three points of Arsenal with a victory, an unthinkable position just a few months ago when they were struggling with injuries and form.
The Gunners have regained their form after a slow start to 2025 securing a 1-0 victory over Wolves last weekend despite a controversial red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly which has since been overturned. Arsenal also progressed in the Champions League with a 2-1 comeback win against Girona thanks to goals from Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri. Now, Arsenal are unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season and have picked up more points than any other team since gameweek 11. However they must overcome their long standing struggles against City having ended their losing streak to their visitors only last season with a 1-0 win at the Emirates.
Pep Guardiola’s men have regained momentum going unbeaten in their last six Premier League games including a 3-1 comeback win over Chelsea last weekend. City also came back from behind against Club Brugge and secured Champions League progression. With a two legged showdown against Real Madrid looming, Guardiola's focus remains domestically as his side aims to continue their remarkable record in the second half of the season. Despite their resurgence City have struggled against Arsenal in recent meetings, failing to win any of the last three league encounters. However, with Erling Haaland back in scoring form and Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings they remain a strong opponent.
Arsenal will be without Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu, while David Raya remains a doubt. Lewis-Skelly is available again and Nwaneri could start after his Champions League heroics.
City are missing Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake as new signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis joins the squad. Marmoush is expected to start while Khusanov may remain on the bench after his difficult debut.
Arsenal possible lineup: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli
Manchester City possible lineup: Ederson; Nunes, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Marmoush
ARSENAL VS MANCHESTER CITY
2.02
ARSENAL - WINNER