Manchester City pipped Arsenal to the last two successive Premier League titles, in a race that last season went down to the final match.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be hoping to go one better this campaign, and they remain unbeaten in the league so far, having won three and drawn one, while City have enjoyed a flawless start to their season, winning all four of their opening four matches.
However, behind the scenes City are embroiled in a legal case with the Premier League and are facing between 115 and 130 charges for alleged breaches of the league’s financial rules. The club have strongly denied all charges, but the match comes one week into the expected 10-week hearing.
On the pitch however, Arsenal have already had their share of injuries with captain Martin Odegaard not expected to be fit enough to feature against City, which will be a blow to their chances.
Follow all the live action in the blog below.
Manchester City vs Arsenal
And now here’s a look at the fans arriving at the ground:
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 16:00
Manchester City vs Arsenal
Here are some shots of the players arriving at the Etihad Stadium:
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 15:45
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta has made two changes to the Arsenal squad, as Ben White drops to the bench to allow Riccardo Calafiori the chance to make his full debut.
Leandro Trossard has also been brought in, with Gabriel Jesus dropping to the bench alongside Raheem Sterling, who could feature against his former club.
Arsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard. Subs: Neto, White, Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Kacurri, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus.
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 15:23
Man City team news
There was a lot of talk in the match build up surrounding Kevin De Bruyne, with City due to make a late call.
That call has been made and there is no place for him in the matchday squad.
Here is the Man City squad: Ederson, Walker (C), Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Gundogan, Bernardo, Savinho, Doku, Haaland SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Carson, Stones, Kovacic, Grealish, Nunes, Foden, Lewis, McAtee
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 15:21
Early team news
Kevin De Bruyne is a major doubt but has not been ruled out after coming off injured in the 0-0 draw at home to Inter on Wednesday. Phil Foden, who is yet to start a match this season, and Ilkay Gundogan could replace the Belgian. Nathan Ake is injured, while Erling Haaland has the chance to bring up a century of goals in a Manchester City shirt – the striker is currently on 99.
Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard but Declan Rice returns from suspension after missing the win at Tottenham last week. Gabriel Jesus replaced Leandro Trossard in the draw at Atalanta but was unconvincing and Mikel Arteta may opt to return Kai Havertz to the front line. Riccardo Calafiori is fit again but Mikel Merino remains sidelined.
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 15:00
How to watch Manchester City vs Arsenal
When is Manchester City vs Arsenal?
The match will kick off at 4:30pm BST today, Sunday 22 September, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with all the build-up following the earlier Premier League match between Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 14:45
Manchester City vs Arsenal
City won their fourth consecutive Premier League last campaign but were pushed all the way by the Gunners, who finished just two points behind Pep Guaridola’s side.
Mikel Arteta’s team are looking to go one step better this season and know the head-to-heads could be decisive, even at this very early stage of the title race.
Arsenal held the champions to a 0-0 draw on their last visit to the Etihad, but are winless in their last nine trips to Manchester City – a run that stretches back to 2015.
With City two points clear having won their opening four league games of the season, the hosts have a chance to open up a five-point lead at the top by extending their winning run.
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 14:30
Guardiola on Sterling
The City manager faces a reunion with his old assistant, Mikel Arteta, and with Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal on deadline day.
Guardiola said he was surprised to see the winger move on loan from Chelsea but felt Arteta had the same reaction after thinking a deal for Sterling was impossible.
The England international was named Footballer of the Year during his time at City, scoring 120 goals for Guardiola.
And the City manager said: “I wish him all the best. All the players that behaved well in this club, helped us to be who we are, where we are. We cannot understand the first years in my tenure at Manchester City without Raheem. He has been so important. I wish him all the best. Of course, I would prefer he doesn’t perform well on Sunday.”
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 14:15
Pep Guardiola issues Kevin De Bruyne injury update ahead of Arsenal clash
And Guardiola said: “He feels a little bit better today but we have not yet had training and we will see. He could be [involved].”
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 14:04
Martin Odegaard latest injury update
Arsenal will again be without captain Martin Odegaard, who will be sidelined for the foreseeable future with the ankle injury he suffered on international duty with Norway.
Saka admits the midfielder’s absence is a major loss, but is backing the Gunners to find a way to cope without him.
“Yeah, you know how much I love Martin,” added the 23-year-old.
“He is a world-class player and we are going to miss him.
“We have to adapt. We have strength and players who can also play in his position. We will find a solution until he is back.”
Sonia Twigg22 September 2024 13:45