Manchester City and Arsenal return from the international break for the biggest game of the season as they clash at the Etihad on Sunday.
The two teams are separated by just a point with ten Premier League games to go ahead of their title showdown six-pointer.
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De Bruyne took just seven minutes to set City on their way last season
De Bruyne took just seven minutes to set City on their way last season
This fixture in April proved to be the Gunners’ undoing in last season’s title race, as Mikel Arteta’s side were thumped 4-1.
The costly defeat left City just two points behind with two games in hand and ultimately proved the final nail in the proverbial coffin.
However, Pep Guardiola’s men have come unstuck against a steelier Arsenal this time around, who have already beaten them twice.
The north Londoners triumphed in the Community Shield, before a 1-0 victory in October’s reverse fixture that will give them fresh hope.
Man City
Guardiola has several fitness worries to contend with, as Stefan Ortega will be needed to deputise in goal for the injured Ederson.
City captain Kyle Walker is in contention to play despite sustaining a hamstring injury 20 minutes into England’s defeat to Brazil.
He subsequently withdrew from international duty but the problem isn’t expected to be too serious.
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Walker left the England camp along with Harry Maguire and Sam Johnstone on Sunday
Walker left the England camp along with Harry Maguire and Sam Johnstone on Sunday
Manuel Akanji is waiting in the wings to replace Walker, but the latter is still expected to form City’s back three alongside Ruben Dias, with Nathan Ake preferred to Josko Gvardiol on the left.
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The Spaniard’s unorthodox defence has found real form in recent weeks, with John Stones pushed into a double-pivot in midfield alongside Rodri when City are in possession.
Both Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne were left out of their respective international squads this month due to groin issues.
However, they have each taken part in training this week, with De Bruyne a shoo-in to play behind Erling Haaland.
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De Bruyne and Grealish both sat out Man City’s win over Newcastle before the break
De Bruyne and Grealish both sat out Man City’s win over Newcastle before the break
England star Grealish is a bigger doubt having not started a game since late February, but Guardiola’s problems on the left may force his hand.
His replacement Jeremy Doku has struggled in 2024 to replicate his early-season promise having not registered a Premier League goal or assist since early November.
Julian Alvarez proved he was uncomfortable in an unorthodox wing role in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool earlier this month, and has the added headache of long-haul travel from America on Argentina duty.
On the opposite flank will be the in-form Phil Foden, with Bernardo Silva occupying the two No.8 roles alongside De Bruyne.
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Guardiola might have to take some injury risks in such a crunch game
Guardiola might have to take some injury risks in such a crunch game
Arsenal
The visitors also had a costly withdrawal from the England camp, with Bukayo Saka failing to play a single minute for the Three Lions.
However, the move was merely a precautionary one, with one of the Premier League’s most fouled players suffering from various knocks.
Saka is still expected to line up alongside Kai Havertz as part of Arteta’s three-pronged attack, but question marks remain over the opposite flank.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the reverse game, but Leandro Trossard has been deputising for the Brazilian due to a foot issue.
Martinelli’s Brazil teammate Gabriel Jesus hasn’t started a game since January 30, with the club looking to manage his workload.
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Saka’s next outing may be in Arsenal’s title race clash at Man City on Sunday, March 31
Saka’s next outing may be in Arsenal’s title race clash at Man City on Sunday, March 31
Former Man City star Jesus has struggled with persistent knee injuries and has been forced to feature from the bench in Arsenal’s last three games before the break.
A return to his old stomping ground could finally see the 26-year-old feature from the start, having featured on the left at City.
Another former Sky Blue star in Oleksandr Zinchenko will likely be resigned to the bench though Jakub Kiwior’s impressive form.
The Polish defender is also more naturally defensive assured, with Ben White looking to bounce back from his England storm by starring on the right.
Gabriel Magalhaes pulled out of Brazil’s squad this month but is also expected to partner William Saliba, with David Raya in goal.
Arteta’s favoured midfield three will be unchanged, with former Man City target Jorginho playing the holding role to push Declan Rice further forward alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
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Arteta is set to be boosted by several key returns
Arteta is set to be boosted by several key returns
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