Recent Form:
Arsenal has been in impressive form recently, securing consecutive victories in their last few matches. However, they will be without key players Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus due to injuries. Leandro Trossard is available for selection and is expected to play a pivotal role in the attack. Manchester City has experienced a mixed run of results, with recent victories against Chelsea and Ipswich, sandwiched between a defeat by PSG where they squandered a two-goal lead. They are currently fourth in the league standings, six points behind Arsenal, and are eager to improve their position.
Head-to-Head Record:
The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester City has intensified in recent years. Historically, Arsenal dominated the fixture, but the tide has turned with City’s rise under Pep Guardiola. In their last meeting on September 22, 2024, the teams played to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland opened the scoring, with Riccardo Calafiori equalizing for Arsenal. Gabriel then gave Arsenal the lead, but after Leandro Trossard’s controversial red card, John Stones scored a dramatic equalizer for City in the 98th minute.
Team News:
Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined until late March following hamstring surgery, and Gabriel Jesus, who suffered an ACL injury against Manchester United and is expected to be out for nine months. Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are nearing returns from their respective injuries and may be available for selection. Ben White is also making progress in his recovery from a knee injury but remains a doubt for this fixture
Manchester City faces a defensive crisis with injuries to key players. Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake are both sidelined, leaving City’s defence vulnerable. However, Erling Haaland remains a significant threat upfront, supported by a dynamic midfield and new signing Omar Marmoush.
Key Players to Watch:
- Arsenal: Captain Martin Odegaard is key for the Gunners when it comes to creating chances, especially in the absence of Saka and Jesus. Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz will also be crucial in leading Arsenal’s attack.
- Manchester City: Erling Haaland continues to be a formidable presence, having scored 18 times for City this season. The midfield duo of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden will be instrumental in creating opportunities as will Savinho who impressed when introduced at half time against Club Brugge.
Tactical Overview:
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, has emphasized a possession-based approach, utilizing quick transitions and wide play to exploit opposition defences. Trossard and Martinelli are expected to provide width and creativity.
Manchester City, known for their fluid attacking play under Guardiola, may face challenges due to their defensive injuries. This could result in a more cautious approach, relying on their midfield to control the tempo and Haaland’s prowess to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Match Prediction:
Given the current form and injury concerns of both teams, this fixture promises to be a closely contested battle. Arsenal’s home advantage and recent momentum may give them a slight edge, but Manchester City’s attacking quality cannot be underestimated. A high-scoring draw is a plausible outcome, though either side is capable of securing a narrow victory. Erling Haaland will be putting the Arsenal backline under all sorts of pressure but the difference maker we think will be Martin Odegaard. Backing him to have a shot on target looks the bet with him averaging 1.5 shots per game and having had 7 shots on target from 15 games this season, especially against a City team that allows space for the opposition.
Martin Odegaard Total Shots on Target 1+ @ 11/8