The Premier League game of the weekend takes place at the Emirates Stadium, as Arsenal look to keep alive their title hopes with a win over defending champions Manchester City.
The Gunners are currently sat in second, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
A win over City though could reignite hopes of claiming the title for the first time since 2003-04.
- ARSENAL TO WIN
- MAN CITY - UNDER 3.5 TEAM SHOTS ON TARGET
- MATEO KOVACIC TO BE CARDED
Gunners Can Grind Out A Crucial Three Points
Arsenal brought to an end their eight-game losing streak against Pep Guardiola’s men in this fixture last season, beating City 1-0 on home soil.
That win, delivered by Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal, had people starting to believe that Mikel Arteta’s squad were genuine title contenders.
They need a similar result and performance this time around to increase the belief in the camp and amongst their fanbase.
With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both sidelined by injury, this would arguably be a more impressive success and certainly more crucial.
Sunday’s 16:30 clash is likely to see another tight encounter, with the Londoners looking to gain revenge for the dramatic meeting at the Etihad back in September.
The Gunners held a 2-1 lead at half-time on that occasion, but the sending-off of Leandro Trossard just before the break left Arsenal hanging on until John Stones equalised in stoppage time.
Arteta’s men are unbeaten in 14 Premier League home games and City head to north London having won just two of their last eight away matches in the league.
ARSENAL TO WIN
City Lacking That Killer Instinct
It’s fair to say that neither of these two sides are as fluent than they were last term, but it’s more noticeable with the Citizens.
Guardiola’s men have scored four less goals than they had at this stage last season, despite Erling Haaland’s best efforts.
The Norwegian is second in the goalscoring charts, with 18 in 23 league appearances, but others have struggled to chip in as regularly.
Phil Foden has seven to his name, with five of those coming in the last three league games, while defender Josko Gvardiol is next best with five.
Arsenal do have the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 21 times in 23 games, with five clean sheets at the Emirates.
The Gunners will feel they can keep City at arm’s length and keep their goalscoring opportunities to a minimum.
MAN CITY - UNDER 3.5 TEAM SHOTS ON TARGET
Kovacic Will Have His Hands Full
In the crucial absence of the injured Rodri, Mateo Kovacic has become a regular fixture in the City midfield.
The former Chelsea man has done a decent job in the absence of the Ballon d’Or winner, but he will have his hands full on Sunday.
With the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard looking to pull the strings in midfield, Kovacic will be expected to cover large areas of the pitch.
That could see the Croatia international add to the five yellow cards he has already collected in the Premier League this term.
MATEO KOVACIC TO BE CARDED
