Manchester City vs Arsenal Preview – Prediction, how to watch & Potential line-ups

In a blockbuster fixture, Manchester City will face Arsenal in the Fourth round of the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium on Friday evening. 

The Citizens thrashed Chelsea 4-0 in the earlier round of the competition, with Riyad Mahrez earning a brace. 

However, they endured back-to-back defeats in their following matches at Southampton and Manchester United before getting back to winning ways in their home fixture at Tottenham Hotspur. 

Despite the 4-2 win over Spurs, Pep Guardiola went on a rant about his team’s lack of passion. 

The Spanish manager’s words seemed to work as City players showed an excellent reaction in their most recent Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

Erling Haaland was at the top of his game again as he notched his fourth Premier League hat-trick of the season to seal a 3-0 win for his side. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal prevailed over Manchester United in the 3-2 thriller on Sunday. 

The Red Devils played a good game and twice scored through Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez. 

However, they could have had no complaints about the final result after the Gunners’ superb second-half display saw them scoring twice, with Eddie Nketiah popping up with the winner at the death. 

The victory leaves them five points clear at the top of the standings in the Premier League. 

Mikel Arteta’s side will now turn their attention to the FA Cup where they thrashed Oxford United 3-0 to set up a tie with Manchester City. 

Match Preview 

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s side have been incredibly dominating in their recent meetings with Arsenal. They have won all of their previous five encounters against the Gunners in all competitions. 

We will have to go all the way back to July 2020 when City lost a game to the Londoners. However, that defeat also came in the FA Cup.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s side have been excellent throughout this season as they are sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners suffered a big blow when Gabriel Jesus picked up a long-term injury but they have coped very well without the Brazilian. 

Eddie Nketiah is in exceptional form as he has bagged nine goals across all competitions this season. He netted twice in the recent home encounter against United to play a crucial role in Arsenal’s victory. 

Manchester City vs Arsenal Potential line-ups 

Manchester City: Ortega; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Ake; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Haaland, Alvarez

Arsenal: Turner; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah

How to Watch? 

You can watch live FA Cup games online, including the Manchester City vs Arsenal match. 

Manchester City vs Arsenal Prediction

Both teams boast plenty of quality players in their ranks and it is very hard to separate the two here. However, considering the Citizens’ brilliant head to head record against the Gunners in recent years, we believe City should prevail on Friday. 

Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal