Manchester Metropolis and Arsenal return from the worldwide break for the largest sport of the season as they conflict on the Etihad on Sunday.
The 2 groups are separated by only a level with ten Premier League video games to go forward of their title showdown six-pointer.
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This fixture in April proved to be the Gunners’ undoing in final season’s title race, as Mikel Arteta’s aspect have been thumped 4-1.
The pricey defeat left Metropolis simply two factors behind with two video games in hand and in the end proved the ultimate nail within the proverbial coffin.
Nonetheless, Pep Guardiola’s males have come unstuck in opposition to a steelier Arsenal this time round, who’ve already overwhelmed them twice.
The north Londoners triumphed within the Neighborhood Protect, earlier than a 1-0 victory in October’s reverse fixture that may give them contemporary hope.
Man Metropolis
Guardiola has a number of health worries to cope with, however he bought some excellent news on the goalkeeper entrance as Ederson stands an excellent probability of enjoying after recovering from harm.
Metropolis captain Kyle Walker has been dominated out after struggling a hamstring harm on worldwide responsibility.
Manuel Akanji suffered a knock whereas enjoying for Switzerland, however he’s 100 per cent match to play and can possible should fill in for Walker.
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Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake will take up the centre-back roles, with Josko Gvardiol at left-back.
John Stones is normally pushed right into a double-pivot in midfield alongside Rodri when Metropolis are in possession.
Nonetheless, Stones additionally got here off injured for England with an abductor drawback and has been dominated out by Guardiola.
Each Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne have been not noted of their respective worldwide squads this month as a consequence of groin issues.
However they’ve every taken half in coaching this week, with De Bruyne a shoo-in to play behind Erling Haaland.
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England star Grealish is a much bigger doubt having not began a sport since late February, however Guardiola’s issues on the left might pressure his hand.
His substitute Jeremy Doku has struggled in 2024 to duplicate his early-season promise having not registered a Premier League aim or help since early November.
Julian Alvarez proved he was uncomfortable in an unorthodox wing function within the 1-1 draw with Liverpool earlier this month, and has the added headache of long-haul journey from America on Argentina responsibility.
On the other flank would be the in-form Phil Foden, with Bernardo Silva occupying the opposite No.8 function alongside De Bruyne.
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Arsenal
The guests additionally had a pricey withdrawal from the England camp, with Bukayo Saka failing to play a single minute for the Three Lions.
Nonetheless, the transfer was merely a precautionary one, with one of many Premier League’s most fouled gamers affected by numerous knocks.
Saka continues to be anticipated to line up alongside Kai Havertz as a part of Arteta’s three-pronged assault.
The winger has been managing a minor hamstring challenge for some time now, and the remaining is more likely to have performed him the world of fine.
However because it stands, he is but to coach.
In the meantime, Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner within the reverse sport, however Leandro Trossard has been deputising for the Brazilian as a consequence of a foot challenge.
Martinelli’s Brazil teammate Gabriel Jesus hasn’t began a sport since January 30, with the membership seeking to handle his workload.
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Former Man Metropolis star Jesus has struggled with persistent knee accidents and has been compelled to function from the bench in Arsenal’s final three video games earlier than the break.
A return to his outdated stomping floor may lastly see the 26-year-old function from the beginning, having performed on the left at Metropolis.
One other former Sky Blue star in Oleksandr Zinchenko will possible be resigned to the bench as a consequence of Jakub Kiwior’s spectacular type.
The Polish defender can also be extra naturally defensive assured, with Ben White seeking to bounce again from his England storm by starring on the fitting.
Gabriel Magalhaes pulled out of Brazil’s squad this month however can also be anticipated to companion William Saliba, with David Raya in aim.
Nonetheless, once more, the centre-back has but to coach with the crew.
Arteta’s favoured midfield three for large video games will probably be unchanged, with former Man Metropolis goal Jorginho enjoying the holding function to push Declan Rice additional ahead alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
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Man Metropolis vs Arsenal Betting with talkSPORT BET
Match odds:
Man Metropolis – 17/20
Draw – 13/5
Arsenal – 29/10
*odds topic to alter
See extra Premier League odds right here
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