Premier League title showdown set for the Etihad

Manchester C

ity should also see some defensive reinforcement, with Ruben Dias and John Stones both expected back in contention. Meanwhile, captain Bernardo Silva survived the Chelsea game without a booking, ensuring he avoids missing out through suspension.

Things are more concerning in North London. Captain Martin Ødegaard looks set to miss out, as does Riccardo Calafiori. There are also major doubts over Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka, neither of whom are training. To make matters worse for Arsenal, Declan Rice is a fresh concern. He’s played under duress in Arsenal’s nil-all draw with Sporting CP in midweek. Whether or not Rice is over the illness that ailed him in time for Sunday’s match remains to be seen.

A lot of factors decide big football games, but there’s no denying that Pep Guardiola looks set to have the stronger squad of players available. Other aspects are more intangible, but they seem to be sided with the Citizens, too.

Impossible to ignore momentum swing.

While the tabloids may be using more unkind language about the situation, there has been a definite momentum shift at the top of the table. Arsenal have had a troubled time while leading the Premier League in recent years, with City being the regular benefactors. The Gunners spent a record 248 days at the top of the league in 2022/23 before wilting at the end of the season, handing the Premier League title to the Citizens.

The following year Arsenal again relinquished the league lead in the closing stages, although this was as largely down to Manchester City’s magnificent nine-game winning streak at the end of the season. The Gunners’ reputation as perennial runners-up was solidified last season, when they again finished second in yet another title race, this time to Liverpool.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spent a lot of time playing down talk of Arsenal finishing second again. After his team’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth last time out, however, they are now questions he can’t ignore. There are a lot of other reasons why Manchester City should be confident heading into the Etihad. The team enjoy more possession than Arsenal, complete more passes, have a greater pass accuracy, and have scored more goals.

A lot of these season-average stats can tend to lose meaning in crucial games, however. What matters is who has the best team available, and who has the momentum. Heading iinto potentially a title defining match, both of those lay with Guardiola’s City.