Match Preview: Manchester City vs Arsenal (Premier League)

It’s a battle for the ages as Manchester City welcome Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium in a hugely important Premier League tie.

A Wembley triumph saw City progress to the FA Cup final on Saturday evening, as the blues struck a dagger through the Blades’ hearts, inflicting a killer blow as Pep Guardiola’s players emerged 3-0 victors courtesy of a Riyad Mahrez treble.

The scoreline was emphatic but it certainly wasn’t a classic Manchester City performance, as the reigning Premier League champions never really got out of first gear, emphasising the quality of the squad Guardiola is working with in this treble-hunting season.

From Munich, to London, and back to Manchester, the ever-gruelling schedule continues for Manchester City, but victory on Wednesday night would cement a fantastic week, as hopes of a treble this season will have improved drastically if they are to keep Arsenal out.

It’s a task that will be no easy feat however, as the Gunners themselves will be looking to spoil the party and begin their own, as they close in on their first Premier League title since 2004.

However, Arsenal’s recent form may play on the minds of the away side, with the visitors arriving on the back of three consecutive draws against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton.

Their form completely contrasts Manchester City’s, who are unbeaten since the beginning of February, winning 11 of their last 12 games across all competitions. The home side continue to fire on all cylinders, and will be looking to carry this momentum through to Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola has emphasised the brutality of the schedule though, admitting that defensive midfield mainstay Rodrigo told him personally that he could not play against Sheffield United due to fatigue.

Despite this, there will be no margin for error as far as either side are concerned, with the game having massive strings attached. Manchester City currently sit five points behind Arsenal with two games in hand, meaning a home win almost puts them in pole position to retain the Premier League title.

Arsenal will be looking to extend the lead they hold over Manchester City and take the gap to eight points, in what will then feel like an unassailable lead at the top which should carry them through to the title.

Any result has monumental implications on the title race, with the game promising to deliver a classic in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola and his players are ultimately used to the pressure in these games, while the young Arsenal squad will have to counteract inexperience with youthful drive in order to obtain the desired silverware this season.

The coveted prize is only one month away, as games come thick and fast for both sides. The brutal fixture list has to be ignored by treble-chasing Manchester City as they continue their endeavours in what has the makings of a historic season.

It’s the big one, it’s a game that really needs no introduction. It’s the master vs the apprentice, it’s Pep Guardiola vs Mikel Arteta, and it’s Manchester City vs Arsenal in a Premier League powerhouse fixture – and we cannot wait for it!

When?

Manchester City vs Arsenal will take place on Wednesday 26^th April, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST.

Where?

Wednesday’s match will take place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

How to watch?

For viewers in the United Kingdom, you can view the match on BT Sport 1.

For viewers in the United States, you can view the match on Peacock, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00PM EST.