When it comes to the key players’ absence – it’s a tie even before the clash between Man City and Arsenal started. First, the Gunners’ captain, Martin Odegaard, suffered an ankle injury representing Norway against Austria in the UEFA Nations League, and then the Cityzens lost their playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, as well. The Belgian sustained an injury against Inter in the Champions League opening game and will miss the derby as a precaution not to aggravate his condition.Manchester City and Arsenal look to be without their star playmakers, Kevin De Bruyne and Martin Odegaard for their crunching match on Sunday! 🤕 pic.twitter.com/PVoDHK8ql7— 365Scores (@365Scores) September 19, 2024 The Norwegian’s absence from Mikel Arteta’s squad has already affected Arsenal’s performances significantly. In the North London Derby, the Gunners barely beat the Spurs, scoring from a set piece (shout-out to Nicolas Jover), but were clueless most of the game, ultimately having half as many shots and notably lesser possession. Yesterday, against Atalanta – the same story. Only this time, set pieces did not help, and if it had not been for the magnificent David Raya, Arsenal would have lost.Delighted Arteta on Raya’s stop: ‘One of the best saves I have seen in my career’Even though Pep Guardiola has more alternatives, his team will also be quite deprived of creativity. De Bruyne netted eight times against the Gunners, most in his career to a single rival. The Spaniard will undoubtedly find the solution but is up for a challenging task, especially considering that the Belgian missed only two minutes – subbed off in the 88th minute against West Ham – so far in the Premier League.What will happen with the Champions League if City is punished?Another chess game between Guardiola and Arteta is upon us. Only this time, these two Grandmasters won’t be able to count on their crucial pieces. Nevertheless, they’ll surely devise new strategies, ready to surprise the opponent and grab the three points. Who’ll take the essential roles? Who’ll replace the “irreplaceable duo?” Who’ll be those knights and bishops, who’ll make a difference? We’ll see on Sunday (18.30).ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY 5Saturday14:30: (3.50) West Ham (3.50) Chelsea (2.05)17:00: (1.60) Aston Villa (4.00) Wolverhampton (5.70)17:00: (2.95) Fulham (3.50) Newcastle (2.50)17:00: (2.55) Leicester (3.35) Everton (2.75)17:00: (1.30) Liverpool (6.50) Bournemouth (10.0)17:00: (2.35) Southampton (3.50) Ipswich (3.15)17:00: (1.60) Tottenham (4.10) Brentford (5.50)19:30: (3.05) Crystal Palace (3.60) Man.Utd. (2.40)Sunday16:00: (1.80) Brighton (3.60) Nott.Forest (4.60)18:30: (1.85) Man.City (3.60) Arsenal (4.80)***odds are subject to change***
