Arsenal vs Manchester City 2nd February 2025: Premier League Preview and Prediction
Arsenal play host to Manchester City at the Emirates in the Premier League’s late kick off on Sunday with both sides looking to follow up positive European results in midweek.
The Gunners secured a third-place finish in the revamped group stages of elite European football after overturning an Arnaut Danjuma strike to beat Girona, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri scored the winner in a player of the match performance.
It is also worth noting that Mikel Arteta’s team have not tasted defeat in the league in 13 matches since a 1-0 loss at St. James Park.
Whereas in Manchester, the Citizens had it all to do after a Rapheal Onyidika first half finish had left the 2023 winners on the brink of elimination. However, three second half goals from Mateo Kovacic, Savio and Joel Ordonez turning the ball into his own net saw Pep Guardiola's side recover and claim a play-off spot.
Previous Meetings
Arsenal come into this top of the table match on a run of four consecutive games without defeat against City which stretches back to a Community Shield win in August 2023.
In the same fixture last year, the Gunners came out victorious with a late Gabriel Martinelli goal securing all three points.
In the reverse game at the Etihad, Erling Haaland notched his 100th Manchester City goal in a two-all draw covered in controversy. Leandro Trossard was then given his marching orders, on the stroke of half time with two yellow cards by Michael Oliver.
Last 5 results
September 2024: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal
March 2024: Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
October 2023: Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City
August 2023: Arsenal 1(4)-1(1) Manchester City
April 2023: Manchester City 4-1 Arsenal
Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal are set to be without Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka for the weekend's spectacle, however, Myles Lewis-Skellys controversial red card in last week's 1-0 win over Wolves has been rescinded meaning he is in contention for Sunday.
In addition Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino both completed 90 minutes in midweek after missing the Molineaux encounter. David Raya is expected to return between the sticks.
Manchester City
City will have all three January signings available for this game, with Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush all missing out midweek due to registration.
However, Ballon'd Or winner Rodri is still missing, furthermore Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are all doubts to make Guardiola's 11.
Prediction – Arsenal to Bank on Peter?
With the controversy surrounding Michael Olivers decision last week, Peter Bankes is the man in the middle this weekend.
A point of note that the Gunners will be encouraged by is that just 2 out of the 14 away teams have won under Bankes, 1 has been Arsenal.
I feel Arsenal will just have the edge in the late kick off. With their recent form in the league and against Manchester City, combined with Lewis-Skelly's availability adding fuel to the fire they will claim three vital points in the title race.
My prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City
Where to watch
The game will be televised on Sky Sports at 4:30 on Sunday the second of February.