The upcoming fifth round of the English Premier League will offer a number of interesting matches, led by the Merseyside derby or the Manchester United vs Chelsea clash. However, the highlight of the round will be the battle at the Emirates Stadium, where Manchester City will visit. Looking at the league table, it may seem that the Cityzens players are not in the best of form, the opposite is true. Pep Guardiola's charges may not have had the start to the new Premier League season they wanted, but after the national break everything is different. Arsenal have been 100 per cent since the start of the season, with the exception of the game at Anfield where they fell. The Cannoneers continue this trend even after returning from the national team reunions. Since we are only at the very beginning of the season, the point difference between the two rivals is minimal. Sunday's clash at Emirates Stadium will be all the more important. Will the Canaries cut the Cityzens off from the top of the table, or will City, on the other hand, close in on Arsenal?
Form
Four rounds have been played in the Premier League and we can start to assess the current form of the teams based on their results and performances. In addition, the week also saw the start of the European competitions, in the case of both Arsenal and Manchester City it is the most prestigious one, the Champions League. In terms of form and the current state of mind of the team, we can base both sides on the five competitive matches played during the first month of the new season.
Arsenal
Within the Premier League looks like the form of the wards Mikel Arteta's very well. Four games played, three wins, one loss and a solid 9:1 record. In terms of goals scored, Arsenal is the best of all teams, together with Liverpool, and in terms of goals scored it shares the top spot with rival Tottenham. The only imaginary flaw remains the narrow defeat at Anfield. If I were to look at the results and also at the performance, it is not so positive there, or rather Arsenal's play in recent rounds has not been consistent.
The performance at Old Trafford was certainly not a good one, just as the performance at Anfield was certainly not one of the best. On the other hand, the home games against Leeds and Nottingham were worth it in terms of play and results. In the week Arsenal played in the Champions League in Bilbao, Spain, where they took three points to London after a 2-0 win. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to watch the game, so I can't comment properly.
Whatever the Gunners' start to the season, I'll take the results and performances as the most relevant to assess their current form ahead of the Manchester City game matches after the national break. In the case of Arsenal, the matches were against Nottingham (3-0 win) and Athletic Bilbao (2-0 win). From the results alone, it is obvious that the North London footballers are in a good mood at the moment. Let's see if they can confirm their form against Pep Guardiola's squad.
Manchester City
As I mentioned in the introduction, Manchester City did not start the 2025/2026 season as expected. Six points out of twelve is not enough for the Cityzens. After the first round, however, there was no indication that City would lose in the opening round. However, Pep Guardiola's charges could not follow up their convincing 4-0 win against Wolverhampton in the next rounds. Two losses in a row followed. Both of them came in games in which it was not expected. First a 0-2 home defeat to Tottenham, then a week later a 1-2 defeat at Brighton.
Immediately after the national break, the program was Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, which the home footballers managed excellently. Convincing victory 3:0 and a great performance to boot. Another win, this time 2-0, for Manchester City in the week of in the Champions League match against Napoli. It should be added that the Italian team played more than seventy minutes shorthanded. However, this does not change the fact that City players walked away with a well-deserved victory. Just like Arsenal, Manchester City won both their games after the national break. Even with an identical score of 5-0. The current form of Cityzens players is very good. On Sunday, we will see a duel between two top teams in form.
Team and expected line-up
There is probably little doubt that Arsenal will not run out at Emirates Stadium on Sunday in the strongest possible line-up. The question is, what is the strongest line-up and what is the best line-up for the game against Manchester City? I must admit that I personally was already surprised by the choice of the starting eleven that Mikel Arteta sent out for the Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao. Apart from the injured captain Martin Ødegaard, who did not travel to Bilbao at all, and William Saliba, who was not yet 100% fit after an ankle injury, the Spanish manager chose the strongest possible line-up he could. At least on paper. Considering the Gunners' demanding schedule, I expected more changes in the lineup.
David Raya
David Raya can boast this season great record, four clean sheets in five games and one single goal conceded. The Spanish goalkeeper is one of the mainstays of Arsenal's defensive line and will therefore not be missing between the three posts in the match against Manchester City.
Jurriën Timber
There is no right wing-back not much to discuss at the moment. Ben White has been out since the beginning of the season due to injury and although he was on the bench for the last league game against Nottingham, he was missing again for Tuesday's Champions League game. Even if the England defender had been fit, it makes no sense that he would have started the game after his injury troubles at the expense of Jurriën Timber, which has been performing consistently for a long time.
William Saliba
Despite the great performances that Cristhian Mosquera put on when he was William Saliba out of action due to injury, I expect he'll be the French defender will return to the starting line-up. Saliba is one of the best central defenders in the world, many even consider him to be the best ever, which is why he will be on the pitch from the first minute on Sunday.
Gabriel
Gabriel is without a doubt one of the players who looking forward to Sunday's game the most of all. The rivalry he shares with Erling Haaland is enormous. Probably all fans of English football are eagerly awaiting the duel of this duo. The burly Brazilian stopper will certainly not be missing from the starting line-up against Manchester City.
Riccardo Calafiori
On the left edge of the defensive foursome is the situation is similar to the real one.. Meant in the sense that Mikel Arteta is clear on who his current number one is. It is Italian representative Riccardo Calafiori. However, there is a bit more competition at left back than on the other side of the field. They are ready to fight for the left fullback position Myles Lewis-Skelly even a rookie on the team Piero Hincapié.
Martín Zubimendi
I have written about this in a previous blog, Martín Zubimendi has become one of the key players in the Arsenal squad. That's why I'm surprised that the Spanish midfielder has played a full 90 minutes in the Gunners' jersey in all the games so far. So to clarify my point. I would have expected him to get some extra rest during a busy schedule and before such an important game. Especially in Tuesday's game against Athletic Bilbao. That didn't happen, but I believe that Martín Zubimendi will be part of Mikel Arteta's starting lineup against Cityzens.
Declan Rice
How to write it simply, Arsenal is with Declan Rice with a stronger team in the lineup. I don't think I can express it any better, and I don't think I need to. His relentless way of playing is evident both defensively and offensively. Add to that his precise play in standard situations, which, by the way, is one of the Gunners' greatest weapons, and his contribution to the team is even greater.
Eberechi Eze
Over the health of the Norwegian playwright Martin Ødegaard still has a question markand so I'm inclined to think Mikel Arteta will play a different card. A card with the name Eberechi Eze. The England international also played in the number ten position at Crystal Palace, so moving him to the centre of the pitch should not be a problem for him. In addition, he would Eze's move to the centre of midfield could have undermined Cityzens' tactics. The new summer signing of the Gunners differs significantly from Martin Ødegaard in terms of typology and movement. Let's see if the Norwegian footballer will be able to get his health back together and if Mikel Arteta will really bet on Eberechi Eze or if he will reach for a completely different option. He has plenty of options.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke after Bukaya Saka's injury has settled in on the right wing of Arsenal's line-up and given the performances he's been putting in in recent games, that shouldn't change. The England international is currently in great form and his game literally oozes confidence. Thanks to his technical abilities, speed and unpredictability, he poses a real danger to the opponent's defence.
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard has only played a few minutes in the last two games for the Canaries, and yet managed to score a goal and two assists. It would be a shame to let a player in such good form and game fitness sit on the bench. At the same time, the same applies to him as to Eberechi Eze. I don't think Pep Guardiola will expect an experienced Belgian footballer in the starting lineup. And that might just be Arsenal's advantage. Trossard is also a versatile footballerso he could just switch positions with Ez during the match. I'm curious to see if my prediction comes true myself, but I have a feeling that Eze and Trossard could really make a run from the first minute on Sunday.
Viktor Gyökeres
In the last two games Mikel Arteta has been substituting the Swedish marksman after about an hour of play and in my opinion there is only one reason for that. To save his strength for the game against Manchester City. Viktor Gyökeres already proved last season that can score goals in the Cityzens net. At that time it was still in Sporting Lisbon jersey, but that doesn't change the situation much. The Swedish international will lead Arsenal's offense against Manchester City from the first minute on Sunday, and I have a sneaking suspicion that will be a scorer against City and in the jersey of his new employer.
Substitutes
We shouldn't see too many surprises on the substitutes bench. The substitute goalkeeper position will be Kepa Arrizabalaga, while outfielders should be ready to hit Myles Lewis-Skelly, Piero Hincapié, Ben White, Christian Nørgaard, Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli. As I mentioned in my blog, the health of the Norwegian captain remains unclear, so it could very well happen that he is not ready to play against City. In that case, a youngster would take his place on the substitutes' bench Max Dowman.
They will definitely not be able to participate in the match due to health reasons Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
About the opponent
I probably don't need to go into too much detail here. There is no need to introduce Manchester City, a team that for many years has been one of the best teams not only in England but in Europe. The playing squad has every post is teeming with star namessitting on the bench one of the best managers ever of contemporary football.
Nevertheless, I will allow myself a small digression to the players. Exceptionally, I will not focus on the new reinforcements. I assume that most of you have a good overview of the current Manchester City squad. Anyway, I'd like to comment briefly on the departures of experienced and key players in recent yearswho have made their mark on the successful era of modern Manchester City. I must mention several players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gündoğan and Ederson. Whatever Pep Guardiola's additions to his star-studded squad, the experience, influence on the game and morale of the aforementioned players will not be easily replaced. Their departures will represent a tangible loss for City at least this season.
Match
Arsenal are the paper favourites. Why? In terms of the quality, breadth and experience of the playing squad, both teams are comparable. Although some might argue that Arsenal probably have one of the best teams (if not the best) in the Premier League right now, Pep Guardiola also has tremendous quality. I don't see much difference here. Both rivals are the same way practically the same with the current form after returning from the national break (two games, two wins and a score of 5:0).
So why is Arsenal the favourite? Firstly will be played in London and the home environment can be the difference in such matches. Furthermore, pressure will also play a significant role, which should be another advantage for the Canaries. Although only three points separate the two teams in the table, the threat of a third defeat of the season (in the fifth round) hangs over the Cityzens. Manchester will play with the feeling that they must not lose at the Emirates, which may have a negative impact on their performance and the final result. Another significant disadvantage for the Cityzens is fatigue. Arsenal played their Champions League match on Tuesday, while Manchester City didn't play until Thursday. Although it may not seem like it at first glance, the two-day difference between the two games could play a major role.
Although the Arsenal-Manchester City match represents the battle of the current football elite, so I'm a bit worried that it won't be the most attractive game for the spectators. Maybe I'm wrong and we'll see a thrilling spectacle like last season. Back then, there were no shortage of beautiful football moments, controversial refereeing decisions or goals. This time the match will be different in my opinion, more cautious from both sides. Sure, there could be an early goal or a sending off that would give the game a different dynamic, but I'm more inclined to think that it's going to be a big tactical battle. I believe that Arsenal will manage to beat Manchester City at home. I predict Arsenal to win 1:0.
Next match
For those of you who thought you would have to wait until the weekend for the next Arsenal game, I have good news. The next game is scheduled for Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 21:00 (CET), when Arsenal head to third-tier Port Vale in EFL Cup. Then this weekend, Arsenal head to in the Premier League to St James’ Park. The match between Newcastle and Arsenal kicks off on Sunday 28 September 2025 at 17:30 (CET).
See you next time, I'll look forward to it!
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Editor, administrator and editor of the True Gunner Diary website, but above all a devoted Arsenal fan. I started with sports articles at the Tipsport bookmaker, where I have published more than 100 blogs. If you want to know more about me, check out the section of the same name here on the site.