Arsenal vs Manchester City: Premier League Pick & Prediction, 21 September 2025
Fresh off European victories, Arsenal and Manchester City collide at the Emirates Stadium in a Premier League clash with serious title-race implications. The Gunners came from the bench to beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at San Mames on Tuesday, while Man City eased past Napoli 2-0 on Thursday, setting the stage for Sunday’s heavyweight meeting.
Arsenal sit three points behind leaders Liverpool, as they can rely on their home fortress, where they’ve already smashed Leeds United 5-0 and Nottingham Forest 3-0 this season. For the Cityzens, who have rediscovered their rhythm after a shaky start, this North London trip offers a stern test of their championship credentials.
H2H History – Power Shift at the Top
Manchester City once had Arsenal’s number, winning eight consecutive meetings between 2020 and 2023, but the tide has turned. The Gunners are now unbeaten in their last five clashes across all competitions, including a memorable 5-1 win in February when five different players – Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri – found the net.
However, few of those scorers will feature on Sunday, with Partey not in the team anymore, Havertz sidelined and Odegaard a doubt. Still, the trend reflects Arsenal’s progress under Arteta, while Guardiola’s City suddenly look like the challengers in this rivalry.
Arsenal: Emirates Comforts Amid Injury Concerns
Arteta’s side showed their depth in Bilbao, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard striking from the bench. With Eberechi Eze struggling to make an impact on his Champions League debut, the two wingers are pushing for starting roles.
Injuries continue to test Arsenal: Bukayo Saka remains unavailable, while Odegaard’s shoulder issue leaves him doubtful. Long-term absentees Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz further limit attacking options, though Noni Madueke has impressed in Saka’s absence.
New signing Viktor Gyökeres will lead the line, but the Swede is under pressure after quiet displays in big away games. At the Emirates, however, he looks far more comfortable – already scoring in both home league wins this season. His ability to step up in a marquee fixture could be decisive.
Manchester City: Haaland Back in Ruthless Form
After early-season stumbles, City are back in stride with convincing wins over Manchester United and Napoli. Erling Haaland scored in both, extending his remarkable run to 10 goals and two assists in his last five games for club and country. Against Arsenal specifically, he has registered four goals and two assists in six Premier League meetings since arriving in 2022.
Guardiola still has injury headaches. Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Omar Marmoush are all out, while John Stones could return after a muscle issue. Youngster Nico O’Reilly continues at left-back, but the spine of the team remains strong, with Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden supporting Haaland’s charge.
Tactical Duel: Arteta vs Guardiola
This matchup has become one of the Premier League’s defining tactical rivalries. Arteta will once again turn to his powerful midfield three of Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice, tasked with controlling the centre against Rodri and Silva. Out wide, Arsenal will try to exploit City’s makeshift full-back pairing, with Madueke’s pace a particular weapon.
The key defensive question for Arsenal is whether to risk William Saliba, who has yet to play since his injury against Liverpool, or stick with Cristhian Mosquera, who has impressed in the Frenchman’s absence. Whoever starts will have the daunting task of stopping Haaland.
Up front, it’s the battle of the Scandinavian strikers. While Haaland is established as Europe’s most prolific finisher, Gyökeres is still adjusting to life in North London. Arteta defended his substitution in Bilbao as tactical, not injury-related, but Gyökeres must show he can deliver on the biggest stage.
Possible Starting XIs of Arsenal and Manchester City
Arsenal: David Raya – Jurriën Timber, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori – Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice – Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze. (4-3-3)
Manchester City: Gianluigi Donnarumma – Abdukodir Khusanov, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly – Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders – Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku. (4-3-3)
Arsenal vs Manchester City Betting Prediction, Odds and Picks
According to EveryGame’s latest betting odds, Arsenal are -111 favorites, with Manchester City at +290 and the draw at +275. The Gunners’ home form and unbeaten streak against City explain their slight edge in the market.
In the Anytime Goalscorer market, Viktor Gyökeres is +115, while Erling Haaland is +155, highlighting expectations that both Scandinavian strikers will be central to Sunday’s action. For a long-shot play, Gabriel Magalhaes is +1000, with the Brazilian defender often a threat from set pieces in big games.
Our betting picks and Prediction? Arsenal to edge a thriller. This fixture has seen a shift in balance, with Arsenal now carrying the psychological edge and home advantage. We expect a high-scoring contest, but Arteta’s men should continue their strong run against Guardiola’s side.