Every streak will once be broken, that’s for sure. So will Manchester City’s unbeaten streak, which has lasted for 32 games, since November 12, 2022, when Brentford grabbed the victory at Etihad behind Ivan Toney’s brace and a 98th-minute winner. Afterwards, Pep Guardiola and his boys built a fortress that still endures.It’s time for Arsenal at the Etihad! 🏟️#ManCity pic.twitter.com/BMxfxhRSf6— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 22, 2024 However, the team that’ll try to conquer it is no joke. Arsenal have been City’s fiercest rival for Premier League glory in the past two editions and are undefeated in the last three clashes with the Cityzens. Moreover, the Gunners are the only side that avoided defeat against the club from Manchester.At Etihad, Mikel Arteta’s crew salvaged a goalless draw, while at Emirates, Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner sealed City’s fate. Before that, the two teams met in the Community Shield, where Arsenal triumphed on penalties after Leandro Trossard levelled in the 101st minute.When Martinelli’s late winner stunned Man City! 🤯@Arsenal pic.twitter.com/JlzlSGn8ST— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) September 21, 2024 Still, although the recent tradition works for the London club, the injuries are indeed against them. Arteta won’t have captain Martin Odegaard and newcomer Mikel Merino at his disposal, so once more, the Spaniard will reluctantly be in to mix things up in the midfield.Thomas Partey and Jorginho are the only logical options in the centre of the pitch, while the third name is still vague. In the previous two games, with Tottenham and Atalanta, Arteta revealed two different tactics – one with Trossard as the third piece in the midfield puzzle and the other with Kai Havertz in the deficient spot.Arsenal have won 99 out of their 211 meetings with Manchester City in all competitions. ✅The Gunners have only beat Everton more times, while Man City haven’t suffered as many defeats against an opponent in their history. 👏 pic.twitter.com/t1A1LibQFI— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) September 21, 2024 If the Belgian starts, the German will probably take his place in the attack alongside Bukayo Saka and either Trossard or Martinelli. On the other hand, if Havertz turns into a midfielder, the former Man City forward Gabriel Jesus will be included in the XI, just like he was against the Goddess in the Champions League.Guardiola’s problems are related to only one name – Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian was announced to miss the derby due to a minor injury against Inter Milan. However, Pep has many more alternatives than his colleague and fellow countryman on Arsenal’s bench. Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic, and Ilkay Gundogan could all replace De Bruyne and start alongside the “irreplaceable duo” of Bernardo Silva and Rodri. Even John Stones could figure as an option, especially if Guardiola opts for more defensive tactics – which is unlikely – or decides to eventually defend the lead in the later parts of the game – which sounds much more plausible.Manchester City vs. Arsenal has an aggregate score of 33-6 across the last 14 #PL games. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/2WJr5FuWDX— mcfc lads (@mcfc_lads) September 21, 2024 Anyway, this derby will provide many answers regarding the title race in England. Can City keep the perfect score against one of the toughest opponents? Will Arsenal keep up with the Cityzens and Liverpool, or will they still say farewell to the title already in September? Can Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba – arguably the best centre-back pair in today’s football – stop the “Norwegian monster” Erling Haaland, who netted nine times in four PL appearances? And is Arsenal’s set piece coach Nicolas Jover capable of surprising his former boss Guardiola with yet another set piece trick? Hence, today at 18.30, sit back, relax, enjoy great football, and await answers.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 5SaturdayWest Ham – Chelsea 0-3 (0-2)/Jackson 4, 18, Palmer 47/Aston Villa – Wolverhampton 3-1 (0-1)/Watkins 73, Konsa 88, Duran 90+4 – Cunha 25/Fulham – Newcastle 3-1 (2-0)/Jimenez 5, Smith-Rowe 22, Nelson 90+2 – Barnes 46/Leicester – Everton 1-1 (0-1)/Mavididi 73 – Ndiaye 12/Liverpool – Bournemouth 3-0 (3-0)/Diaz 26,28, Nunez 37/Southampton – Ipswich 1-1 (1-0)/Dibling 5 – Morsy 90+5/Tottenham – Brentford 3-1 (2-1)/Solanke 8, Johnson 28, Maddison 85 – Mbeumo 1/Crystal Palace – Man Utd 0-0Sunday16:00: (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***
