Few would have predicted that Manchester City would be playing the role of title disruptor, but that’s the current state of affairs as they head to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Sunday. The perennial champions have little to no chance of claiming a fifth successive league title after a dismal end to 2024. However, Pep Guardiola’s side have somewhat rediscovered their groove in the new year, although the same vulnerabilities that led to their wretched run of form still linger.
Arsenal are still in the hunt for the title, but their hopes will be dented further if Liverpool secure a crucial three points at Bournemouth and City take points off them in this crucial clash. It’s another big weekend in the title race, and Guardiola’s side have a significant role to play in the outcome.
Projected Manchester City Lineup Against Arsenal
GK: Ederson – Stefan Ortega enjoyed a run as City’s number one, but Ederson has reclaimed the starting berth and should be between the sticks on Sunday.
RB: Matheus Nunes – Nunes does boast some value in possession, and Guardiola seems to think his work with the ball makes up for any defensive deficiencies, which are glaring.
CB: John Stones – Stones’ return is a big boost for City, who are likely to be without Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake this weekend. The Englishman got through 90 minutes in the week, too.
CB: Manuel Akanji – There’s been plenty of chopping and changing in City’s backline, but Akanji has almost been a constant.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – After an indifferent start to the season, Gvardiol has been excellent as of late and is once again proving himself as a key attacking outlet.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – The experienced Croatian midfielder started in this fixture last season with Rodri out and was incredibly fortunate not to get sent off. He’ll hope to avoid a similar situation this time around.
RM: Bernardo Silva – City’s utility man has rarely been offered respite in recent weeks despite his form wavering. With Rodri out, Bernardo plays a greater role as a leader, as we saw him support 20-year-old debutant Abdukodir Khusanov last week after a miserable early error.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – A careful management of De Bruyne’s minutes has seen the Belgian avoid the treatment table, and that could be great news for City given how much he loves to play at the Emirates.
CM: Phil Foden – It was a surprise to see Foden operate as a touchline winger in the week, given his recent success in central areas, and City improved once the English superstar drifted infield and operated from between the lines.
LM: Omar Marmoush – Savinho was brilliant off the bench against Club Brugge, but Guardiola may succumb to the “shiny new toy” syndrome and pick Marmoush following the Egyptian’s bright debut against Chelsea.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland scored in the reverse fixture, but this is a ground the relentless City forward hasn’t yet had much success at. William Saliba and Gabriel have proven to be too formidable a partnership.
Conclusion
This weekend’s clash between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium promises to be a crucial one in the title race. While City are no longer the favorites to retain their crown, they still have the ability to disrupt Arsenal’s charge towards their first league title in nearly two decades. With both teams desperate for the three points, it promises to be an enthralling encounter that could have major implications on the outcome of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
