Manchester City FC vs Arsenal FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Manchester City FC vs Arsenal FC Match Prediction & Analysis

This is the game we’ve all been waiting for. Manchester City and Arsenal have battled it out for the title throughout the season and this will give us a strong indication of where it’ll go.

Manchester City have been in imperious form lately, winning six in a row in the league and progressing through to the FA Cup Final and Champions League Semi Final.

Pep Guardiola and his men are targeting a historic treble this season, only ever achieved previously by bitter rivals Manchester United.

Arsenal remain in pole position, although they have lost ground in terms of points earned recently. They have played two games more than City, meaning that they really need to win here to keep it in their own hands.

It’s set up to be a stunning match at the Etihad.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester City FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Won 11 consecutive games against Arsenal

     Claimed victory in eight of their last nine league games, unbeaten in 16 in all comps

Reasons to be fearful:

     Last four home defeats have come against London opponents

     Nathan Ake could be a fitness concern after missing weekend game

Manchester City couldn’t be in better form heading into this titanic clash, with Guardiola’s men blasting past any opponent in their way in recent times.

They progressed through to the FA Cup Final at the weekend, where they will face Manchester United. It could be part of their bid to win a treble of trophies, if they next six weeks or so go in their favour.

Here, they have an amazing chance to claim superiority over Arsenal, closing the gap to just two points with two games in hand. 

They have an incredible record over Arsenal, beating them in their last 11 meetings. Arsenal have improved since most of those wins, however, so they will need to be at their best here.

Nathan Ake, a standout defender in recent times, could miss out with a hamstring issue, while Phil Foden could come back into the team after a month out.

Star Man – Erling Haaland

The numbers that this man continues to produce is staggering. He has 11 goals in his last four appearances, and needs two more in total to reach the all-time Premier League record of 34 goals in a season.

Arsenal FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     On a 10-game unbeaten run

     Won 11 of their 16 away games – the league’s best record

Reasons to be fearful

     Dreadful record against City over the years

     Conceded two or more in six of their last 11 games

From the outside, it would appear that Arsenal are having a wobble right now. Most teams have one when going for the title, but three consecutive draws has taken the wind out of the Gunners’ sails.

It means that they have allowed City back into the race, and would need to beat City here to be sure that the title remains in their own destiny.

Unfortunately, Arsenal will have to continue without the injured William Saliba, who has now missed quite a few games through a back injury, meaning that the willing but less talented Rob Holding will continue in his place.

Granit Xhaka was set to be a fitness concern too for the Gunners, but is said to have resumed training the day before the game.

Arteta will set his players up to get at City, which is the only way they can win this one.

Star Man – Gabriel Martinelli

The Brazilian has been involved in 11 goals in his last 10 appearances, netting eight and assisting three. His powerful, pacy running will be a threat to City here.