Arsenal target win at Man City as Saka ruled out
James Weir recalls debuting for Man United in the 3-2 win over Arsenal in 2016. After injuries and moves abroad, he retired in 2024 and now runs a bespoke travel agency.
Arsenal face Man City with a lift as Ruben Dias is set to miss out through injury, per Metro Sport. City must reshuffle in defence, but Arsenal are warned not to underestimate their depth.
Alex Iwobi says Arsenal players are under intense ‘spotlight’, recalling Arsene Wenger’s 2018 warning after he attended a house party before a 4-2 FA Cup loss at Nottingham Forest.
Calafiori missed Sporting as a precaution over fitness levels, with workload managed to avoid aggravation. He remains a doubt for Man City, with a late decision based on training readiness.
Ahead of Man City, Arteta insists Arsenal have ‘earned’ the chance to win. Eddie Howe stays coy on Anthony Gordon links. Academy defender Sam Chapman departs for Georgia Southern University.
Ademola Lookman welcomes facing Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals, calling them ‘another top team’, but shifts focus to Atletico Madrid’s Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad.
Opinion urges calm around the Etihad trip, noting recent cup setbacks, injuries and selection calls, and warns the title race will not be decided even with a win or setback.
Arteta urges fans to turn tension into ‘vitamin’ before Man City, seeking hunger and desire after recent boos and nervy displays despite reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
Arteta ‘hopeful’ Madueke can face Man City after a dead leg. Saka ruled out with an achilles issue. Odegaard, Timber and Calafiori to be assessed. Arsenal lead City by six points having played one more.
Arsenal are in early talks for Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso. Juve want €60m, with Arsenal so far at €40m. Cambiaso’s versatility appeals, but a discount may be sought.
Top-of-table clash at the Etihad. Arsenal unbeaten in last five v City, draws in last two away. Saka out, Madueke, Calafiori, Odegaard, Timber to be assessed. Key battles include Cherki threat and Haaland.
Arsenal and Man United lead the chase for Eduardo Camavinga, with £52m offers said to be considered. Real Madrid are not actively selling, and the player is happy to fight for his place.
John Terry claims William Saliba is ‘not world class’ on TikTok, while rating Saka and Rice as world-class. Verdict likely to anger Arsenal fans given Saliba’s elite form.
Vieira says Arsenal must ‘go back’ to early-season attacking ways, be more direct and clinical after recent goal struggles, with defensive solidity intact but end product lacking.
Arteta vows Arsenal will ‘prepare to win’ at Man City despite title maths; recent goals dip noted. Saka out with achilles, Timber, Calafiori and Odegaard to be assessed. Raya, clean sheet focus discussed.
Guardiola hails Arsenal’s strength, calling David Raya’s long balls ‘extraordinary’ and praising Havertz and Gyokeres on second balls, plus set-pieces and transitions, ahead of the Etihad showdown.
Report tips Saka and Merino out, doubts over Madueke, Calafiori, Odegaard, Timber. Predicted XI includes Raya, Saliba, Gabriel, White, Hincapié, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard.
