Arsenal vs Man City Prediction: Preview with Lineups & Stats

*Odds are subject to change.

The English Premier League (EPL) enters matchweek 5. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face Pep Guardiola’s Man City in an early-season clash of titans at the Emirates Stadium. Kick time is 4:30 pm on Sunday, 21 September 2025.

Seasoned top-flight referee Stuart Attwell will oversee this match.

Arsenal vs Man City Prediction

My bold prediction is Arsenal to win at 1.95. Mikel Arteta needs to go for a win. So, I see Arsenal taking the game to City and securing 3 points. The draw at 3.80 (Bet365) could be a back-up bet if The Gunners’ odds shorten closer to kick off.

The second prediction is for under 2.5 goals at 2.0. It looks more appealing than over 2.5 goals at 1.80 (Betfred). Arsenal sometimes struggle to create chances in open play against top sides, while Guardiola is trying to make City less open than last season. These factors point to a match of few chances and goals, as both sides toil for openings.

The Latest News for Arsenal

For Arsenal, this season is crucial after three successive 2nd place EPL finishes. They need to win these matches against key rivals to reach the next level.

The Arsenal squad has several key injuries. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus (knee) are both ruled out until nearer the end of 2025. After three games out, Bukayo Saka is hoping to recover from a hamstring injury. Martin Odegaard is striving to recover from a shoulder complaint. Ben White is still unavailable with a knock. Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino hope to recover from head clashes in midweek at Bilbao. William Saliba should play if he’s fully recovered from an ankle issue.

Arsenal have no suspended players for matchweek 5.

Arsenal are in second place behind EPL table toppers Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s men are in excellent form. Beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 last Saturday. Then they enjoyed a 2-0 Champions League win at Athletic Bilbao. Apart from a narrow 1-0 loss at Liverpool, the Gunners look solid in defence and dangerous in attack.

Player in Focus

Noni Madueke – Since moving from Chelsea, Madueke has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s team. He’s full of confidence after scoring in England’s 5-0 smashing of Serbia. So, if you fancy Madueke to trouble City’s defence, he is 2.0 to have over 0.5 shots on target at Bet365.

The Latest News for Man City

It’s a season of evolution in the blue half of Manchester, as Man City transition into a more direct system. Tijjani Reijnders looks like an astute signing, supporting Rodri in midfield. And if Erling Haaland continues his scoring form, this could be a successful season.

City have three players out until at least October. Mateo Kovacic (Achilles) until at least October. Ryan Cherki (thigh), Rayan Ait Nouri (ankle), and Omar Marmoush (knee). John Stones (muscle) could play this weekend, but awaits a fitness test.

Man City’s team has no current suspensions.

City lie in 8th place in the league standings after 4 matches. They’ve amassed 6 points from a potential 12, with a pair of wins and losses. Last Sunday, City returned to winning ways after 2 EPL defeats on the spin, with a clinical 3-0 victory against Man United.

Player in Focus

Jeremy Doku – The Belgian international has started the 2025-26 season in fine form. With assists for the first 2 goals against Man United last weekend. And City’s second goal against Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday. He’s 3.0 at Betway to assist a goal. Or 8.0 with Ladbrokes to get on the scoresheet any time.

Arsenal vs Man City Predicted Lineups

Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya – Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori – Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Ethan Nwaneri – Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke

Man City (4-1-2-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma – Abdukodir Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nico O’Reilly – Nico Gonzalez – Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva – Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku – Erling Haaland

Arsenal vs Man City Previous Meetings

3 of the last 5 head-to-head games featured under 2.5 goals. Arsenal have a slight advantage, with 2 wins in those 5 matches. This is a big turnaround, as City defeated Arsenal 8 times in a row between October 2020 and April 2023.

What Channel is Arsenal vs Man City on?

Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League broadcast live coverage of the match. Or use Sky Go for live streaming action.