Arsenal vs Manchester City Prediction – Sunday, February 2, 2025
The Premier League spotlight shines brightly as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal welcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. This high-stakes encounter could see the reigning champions narrow the gap to the Gunners to just three points – a scenario that seemed improbable during their mid-season struggles.
However, Arsenal have held their own against the champions, remaining unbeaten in their last three league encounters. Their last meeting at the Emirates in October 2023 ended with a deflected Gabriel Martinelli goal securing a 1-0 win for the Gunners, while John Stones’ last-gasp equalizer rescued a point for City in a 2-2 draw (the sides’ most recent meeting) last September.
Arsenal Betting Preview
Once poised to capitalize on any Manchester City missteps, Mikel Arteta’s side now face a must-win situation to keep their title aspirations alive. After a sluggish start to 2025, the Gunners have regained momentum, recently overcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive strike.
Regardless of Saturday’s results, Arsenal are expected to maintain their second-place standing. Notably, they remain the only Premier League team unbeaten at home this season, underscoring their Emirates fortress.
Since gameweek 11, Arsenal have amassed a league-best 29 points. Their resilience was on display midweek in the Champions League, where they secured a 2-1 victory over Girona. Despite an early setback from former Tottenham Hotspur player Arnaut Danjuma, late first-half goals from Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri ensured their progression to the last 16.
Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, David Raya, is doubtful due to a muscular injury. Elsewhere, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are all unavailable. Myles Lewis-Skelly is eligible to play after his red card was overturned, and fellow starlet Ethan Nwaneri may earn a start following his impressive Champions League performance.
Manchester City Betting Preview
While Arsenal enjoy a well-earned break this month, Manchester City face a grueling challenge in the Champions League, with a high-stakes two-legged showdown against Real Madrid looming. Pep Guardiola’s men narrowly avoided an early European exit, staging a dramatic second-half comeback against Club Brugge to keep their title defense alive.
Before turning their focus to Ancelotti’s side, City must first tackle a crucial Premier League test against Arsenal. With a six-match unbeaten streak in the league, the Sky Blues are beginning to hit their stride at a pivotal moment in the season. Their resilience was on full display last weekend, overturning a deficit to secure a 3-1 win over Chelsea.
Historically, City have been near-unstoppable in the latter half of the campaign, losing just one of their last 40 Premier League matches from January onwards. Guardiola will be eager to extend that formidable record and close the gap on Arsenal as the title race intensifies.
Pep Guardiola does not anticipate the return of Ruben Dias, Rodri, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and Jeremy Doku for this weekend. Meanwhile, new signings Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Omar Marmoush, are set to be included in the matchday squad. Marmoush is expected to start, while Khusanov may be sidelined after a challenging debut against Chelsea.
Possible Starting Lineups of Arsenal and Manchester City
Arsenal: David Raya – Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly – Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice – Ethan Nwaneri, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli. (4-3-3)
Manchester City: Ederson – Matheus Nunes, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol – Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne – Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush. (4-3-3)
Spooky Express Betting Prediction
According to EveryGame’s latest betting odds, Arsenal are slight favorites at -105, while a draw is priced at +260, and Manchester City stand at +285 to take all three points. In the goalscorer markets, Erling Haaland is offered at +175 to find the net anytime, while Arsenal’s Kai Havertz is valued at +215.
Given Arsenal’s strong home form and City’s resurgence, this clash could be a tightly contested affair, making a draw or a low-scoring outcome intriguing options to bet on. However, we believe that Pep Guardiola’s side have the comprehensive quality to extend their strong domestic form and Erling Haaland will add to his tally.