The Manchester giants did not win anything last season, including losing the cup final to modest Crystal Palace. This time, however, they have added a trophy to their collection—the League Cup—beating Arsenal in the decisive match. They then thrashed Liverpool in the cup. However, in the Champions League play-offs, they lost twice to their old rival, Real Madrid. In the Premier League, they have consistently been below their rival. However, in the last round, they reduced the gap with a confident victory over Chelsea.
The top London club still can’t win the title. They have finished second three times in the Premier League and in March lost 0-2 to City in the League Cup final. Still, a long-awaited breakthrough is expected—Arsenal have managed to maintain the lead in the Premier League. But in the last round, they stumbled against Bournemouth and reduced their margin. In the Champions League against Sporting, the UK favourite scored only one goal over two matches but kept a clean sheet, earning a place in the semi-finals. The same can’t be said for the cup, where they contrived to lose to Southampton and were eliminated!
Guardiola’s side averages an impressive 2.03 goals scored per match, conceding 0.9. The league leader has 1.94 goals scored per game and only 0.75 conceded.
Previous matches: Manchester City vs Arsenal
Arsenal had not lost in six consecutive matches before the 0-2 defeat in the League Cup final in March.
Many believe that Guardiola will outplay Arteta. But the importance of the victory and the level of defensive play of both teams suggest a bet on “total under 2.5 goals” (odds – 1.85).
Manchester City vs Arsenal: Key Stats and Trends
Manchester City has won four of their last eight matches
48% of Manchester City’s matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 2.94 goals per match
Arsenal has won one of their last five games
50% of Arsenal’s matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 2.69 goals per match
Manchester City vs Arsenal: Probable Starting Line-ups
Manchester City plays in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable line-up): Donnarumma – Aké, Khusanov, O’Riley, Nunes – Silva, Rodri – Doku, Cherki, Semenyo – Haaland. Guardiola will not be present.
Arsenal plays in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable line-up): Raya – Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, Saliba, Timber – Rice, Zubimendi – Madueke, Eze, Saka – Havertz. Merino and Ødegaard are both injured, while Calafiori, Saka, and Timber are doubtful.
