Man City face Arsenal with injuries and Guardiola’s trust in Bernardo
Semenyo asked ex-Bournemouth teammates for a favour before their 2-1 win at Arsenal. The City forward, on 8 goals since January, is set to start with Haaland and Doku vs Arsenal.
Guide for City fans to watch the Etihad title clash: 16:30 BST kick-off on Sky Sports in the UK, NBC/Peacock in US. Win narrows Arsenal’s lead to 3, with City holding a game in hand.
Combined XI favours City’s attack with Donnarumma, O’Reilly, Rodri, Cherki, Semenyo and Haaland included, alongside Arsenal’s Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Rice and Saka.
Ex-City midfielder Yaya Toure praises Michael Carrick’s interim work at Man United, lauding players in best positions and renewed enjoyment after a 1-0 win at Chelsea.
Anthony Taylor referees City vs Arsenal. Focus on officiating backdrop to the title decider at the Etihad.
Supercomputer gives City a 37.7% win chance, Arsenal 35.8%, making a draw plausible. Arsenal have not beaten City this season, raising stakes at the Etihad.
Arteta says respect with Guardiola is restored despite rivalry, insisting their friendship would resume off the pitch ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Man City.
Guardiola says if Arsenal win he will shake Arteta’s hand then ‘pray’ they lose five straight, though he doubts it, stressing City must win the Etihad clash.
Portsmouth consider free move for ex-City winger Jayden Braaf after their vital win. The 23-year-old academy product is a free agent after spells at Dortmund, Verona, Fortuna Sittard and Salernitana.
Pundits largely back City at the Etihad. Shearer, Scholes, Merson and Sutton pick City, Neville, Keane and Wright call a draw. A win puts City’s destiny back in their hands.
City host Arsenal aiming to trim the gap to 3 with a game in hand. Haaland seeks to add to 22 league goals. Recent wins include 3-0 at Chelsea and Carabao Cup final triumph, with Nico O’Reilly starring.
Tony Pulis says January signings like Semenyo have restored City’s X-factor, tipping their attacking ‘leg-beaters’ to decide the Arsenal showdown.
Arsenal boosts for the Etihad as Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard are pictured fit to travel, though Bukayo Saka stays out. City must prepare for both featuring despite recent knocks.
City without Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. Donnarumma starts behind Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly, with Rodri, Bernardo, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku supporting Haaland. Win would cut Arsenal’s lead to 3.
Analysis of Arsenal’s recent tactics and potential tweaks as Arteta seeks ‘no fear, pure fire’ against City with the title race tightening.
Ancelotti tips PSG for the Champions League. Sergio Aguero urges ex-City forward Julian Alvarez to choose Barcelona over an £86m Arsenal move.
Tony Adams questions Arsenal’s captaincy choices, praising Guardiola’s on-field link with Bernardo Silva seen in City’s Carabao Cup win.
City welcome Arsenal knowing victory cuts the gap to 3 with a game in hand. Recent form strong with wins over Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, sparked by Rayan Cherki’s influence.
Guardiola hails Bernardo Silva and vows City will give everything to send him off in style as they chase the Premier League and FA Cup after 19 trophies together.
Guardiola says this City are a new-look side with many yet to win the Premier League, but trusts serial winner Bernardo Silva. He insists past titles give no guarantees before Arsenal visit.
Haaland says a rare free week gives City an unusual edge before Arsenal’s Etihad visit, keeping him calm as City chase down the leaders.
Report claims City and Arsenal admire Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra after his Cagliari loan. AC Milan, Juventus and Inter also keen, but Atalanta reluctant to sell.
City host Arsenal in a title showdown. Gvardiol, Stones and Dias are out, Nico O’Reilly fit. Win puts City three points behind with a game in hand. Predicted XI discussed.
