The Matchday 24 clash in the Premier League between Arsenal and Manchester City will take place on February 2 at the Emirates Stadium in London. Arsenal vs. Manchester City: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Arsenal
The Gunners continue to chase the leading Liverpool, trailing by six points (with the Merseysiders having a game in hand). In the last round, the Londoners secured a hard-fought victory over Wolverhampton, defeating one of the league's strugglers away with a score of 1-0. This extended the club's unbeaten run in the Premier League to 13 matches (8 wins and 5 draws). However, it is worth noting that in the previous two Premier League campaigns, Mikel Arteta's side had more points at this stage of the season than they do now (by two and seven points).
The suspension of defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has been lifted, allowing him to participate in this match. However, forwards Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, along with defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White, will miss out due to injuries.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final scoreline in 6 of Arsenal's last 7 Premier League games.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 7 of the Gunners' last 10 Premier League matches.
- The Londoners have not lost in the first half of their last 20 home Premier League games (13 wins and 7 draws).
Predicted lineup for Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya – Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber – Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Ethan Nwaneri – Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard.
Manchester City
The Citizens have been unbeaten in the league since Christmas. During this period, the team has secured four wins and two draws. In the last two rounds, the Mancunians achieved convincing victories: first, they thrashed Ipswich away (6-0), and then they overcame Chelsea at home (3-1). It's also worth noting that Pep Guardiola's side has scored at least two goals in each of their last five Premier League matches. The club has returned to the top four but trails the leader by as much as 12 points.
Defenders Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake, as well as midfielder Rodri Hernandez, will miss the game due to injuries.
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of Manchester City's last 10 Premier League games.
- Both teams have scored in 7 of the Citizens' last 9 Premier League matches.
- Two or more goals have been scored in the second half in 6 of the Mancunians' last 8 away league matches.
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – Abdukodir Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Matheus Nunes – Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan – Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush – Erling Haaland.
Referee
Peter Bankes (England)
Matches – 14 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 58;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 19;
Penalties – 21%.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Match Prediction
For the first time since December 2015, the Gunners are favorites in a clash against Manchester City. However, it's worth mentioning that in the last eight league meetings at the Emirates, the hosts have won only once, while the Mancunians have secured six victories (with one draw).
It's also worth noting that Pep Guardiola remains the toughest opponent for Mikel Arteta in his managerial career (considering only those managers Arteta has faced at least twice). The Spanish managers have met 13 times at the official level, with the Arsenal boss securing only three wins, suffering eight defeats (with two draws).
In my opinion, Manchester City has left its crisis behind and can realistically aim for a positive outcome in the upcoming match. Additionally, the Citizens have an excellent record in head-to-head encounters with the Gunners – just one defeat in the last 18 Premier League meetings (13 wins and 4 draws). Considering all these factors, my prediction is Manchester City to win or draw.
