Arsenal vs Man City Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

Ahead of the weekend, here’s a prediction, team news, lineups, and fixtures preview for Arsenal vs Man City. It’s the biggest encounter of round 24. Arsenal arrives as an even-money favourite, which may come as a surprise to some. 

The hosts will be desperate to record a victory here. Failing to win could become costly, given the points gap with Liverpool. Arsenal boasts the second-best home record in the division this season, and we know all about the difficulties Pep and Manchester City have endured this term.

Arsenal vs Man City Prediction: Hosts Price Looks A Little Short

England, Premier League, Sunday, February 2nd, 16:30 (UK)

An almighty encounter is taking place on Sunday afternoon. Manchester City are six points behind their upcoming opponents. Things would become interesting if they earned maximum points. Mikel Arteta will be desperate to see his side claim a much-needed three points. It feels like City have performed poorly all season. Pep’s men have won one fewer game than the side from North London.

When looking at this match-up, I perhaps expected the prices to be a little closer. Arsenal are priced at 2.05 for a victory. Man City are available at 3.60, with the draw also at 3.60. The goal markets are as follows – (BTTS – Yes 1.66 & Over 2.5 Goals 1.80). The prices were somewhat different when these sides met in September. (BTTS – Yes 1.91 & Over 2.5 Goals 2.05). There have been a lot of changes since that afternoon, such as injuries and current positions in the Premier League.

The home side boasts the 8th best xG when playing at home this term. Arsenal can be a tough side to watch and often restrict their opponents to few opportunities. Arteta won’t care. The Spaniard has a philosophy and will continue in that style. Defensively, the Gunners are the best and by a considerable margin. Arsenal have shipped nine goals despite an xGA figure of 6.6.

I’m finding it tricky to read Man City at this moment. They have a massively important game on Wednesday night in the Champions League. Pep’s side must win to remain in the competition. It seems absurd as to what has gone on at City this term. Excluding their emphatic victory over Salford, City have won just five times in 19. 

Arsenal have had plenty to cheer about in previous meetings with Man City. The reverse fixture ended 2-2, with the clash at the Etihad last term finishing goalless. Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner sealed all three points here in the 23/24 campaign. Mikel and Arsenal supporters would snap your hand off for another cagey 1-0 win. 

Despite the positivity around Arsenal, I’m not convinced about their price. The Gunners have won seven of their 11 matches here this term. Aston Villa came from two goals down to earn a point in the most recent Premier League fixture here. That would’ve left a dent.  

Siding with City may seem daft. A 5-3-4 (WDL) record away from the Etihad is satisfactory, given the quality of players at the club. We can back the champions to avoid defeat at an appealing price. Erling Haaland has seemed to find some form. Phil Foden has scored six times in his last four Premier League outings. Omar Marmoush will be desperate to impress. Manchester City can leave London with a positive result.

• Arsenal vs Man City Prediction: Man City Or Draw (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: Unibet
• Stake: 5/10 (TRACKED BET)

Arsenal vs Man City Prediction odds via bet365 as at 17:00, January 29th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Arsenal vs Man City Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Big Names Missing

Mikel Arteta is without key names. Ben White hasn’t played since November. The defender will be back in action towards the end of February. Gabriel Jesus is out for the season. Takehiro Tomiyasu will not feature. His knee injury has kept him out since early October. Mikel Merino is a doubt after picking up a knock. Bukayo Saka remains unavailable. Arsenal’s star hasn’t played since Christmas.

Jermemy Doku has a slight niggle. It’s unclear if he will play a part on Sunday. Nathan Ake is suffering from a muscle injury and will not feature. Ruben Dias picked up a groin injury in City’s defeat against PSG. The Portuguese player will miss this clash. Rodri is still absent and will be for the entirety of the season.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Rice, Partey, Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz

Man City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Savinho, De Bruyne, Foden, Grealish, Haaland

Match OPTA Stats

• Arsenal won this exact fixture 1-0 last season – they last won consecutive home league games against  Man City between 2005-06 and 2008-09 (a run of four). 
• Having won 12 consecutive league games against Arsenal between 2017 and 2023, Manchester City are  now winless in their last three against the Gunners (D2 L1). 
• Arsenal are unbeaten in 13 Premier League matches (W8 D5) and have won the most points of any side  from MD11 onwards (29). The Gunners have never had a longer unbeaten run under Mikel Arteta, last  going 14 without defeat between August and December 2018 under Unai Emery. 
• Manchester City are unbeaten in six Premier League games (W4 D2) and only Newcastle (15) have won  more points since Christmas than City (14), while City have scored the most goals in that time (18). 

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