Premier League 2022-23: Arsenal vs Manchester City: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

On Wednesday, the league leaders and the defending champions square off in a match that will have a significant impact on the Premier League title battle. 

Manchester City are seeking to win their fifth Premier League title in six years amidst a litany of allegations over suspected Financial Fair Play infractions, the Gunners have held the top spot in the standings since early November as they seek to capture their first league title in nearly two decades. Although both clubs have struggled lately and there are still doubts about Erling Haaland's fitness, Arsenal are still the odds-on favourite to win the championship.

Kick-off:

Wednesday, 15-02-2023; 7.30 pm GMTThursday, 16-02-2023; 1 am IST

Arsenal form (all competition): D-D-W-D-D

Manchester City (all competition): W-W-W-D-D

Players to watch

Arsenal: Bukayo Saka

Despite not having scored many goals this season, Saka has been a deadly right-flank threat. The teenager will be an important player for the Gunners versus City because of his moves and ability to beat defenders.

Manchester City: Jack Grealish

Grealish has excelled for City despite not having an easy time at Man City. His confidence is admirable, as is the way he draws fouls and overcomes opponents in 1v1 situations. The 27-year-old continues to be an important player on the left wing and will be dangerous for the Gunners.

Match facts

• City are the only team Arteta has failed to beat in the league losing five Premier League games
• City have won each other 22 games during Wednesday's matches
• Trossard has already scored against City in Brighton's 3-1 win over City.

Injury and team news

As they go ready for their greatest test so far, Arsenal has no new injury concerns. Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus are improving their fitness but are unlikely to play.

After a spate of disappointing performances since the beginning of the year, Mikel Arteta must decide whether to take Gabriel Martinelli's place in the starting lineup. He was replaced against Brentford by Leandro Trossard, who scored right away.

After being taken off at halftime of Sunday's victory over Aston Villa, Haaland's fitness is a concern for City. After the game, Pep Guardiola acknowledged that the striker experienced "a kick" and withdrew in order to avoid taking a chance.

For the foreseeable future, John Stones is still out injured, although Nathan Ake should return after being rested against Villa.

Head-to-head stats

Matches: 206

Arsenal: 98

Draws: 45

Manchester City: 63

Predicted lineup

Arsenal predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah

Manchester City predicted line-up (3-2-4-1):

Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte; Rodri, Bernardo; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Alvarez  

Prediction

After two of their most unimpressive games to date—a loss at Everton and a sluggish showing against Brentford—unblemished Arsenal's home record will be put to the ultimate test in midweek.

Even if Manchester City are barely capable of uprooting trees on their own, an easy victory against Aston Villa allowed them to rebound from a lacklustre loss at Tottenham. Prior to kickoff, Haaland's level of fitness will undoubtedly be crucial, but any City onslaught will be problematic for Arsenal.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City

Telecast details

India: Hotstar, Star Sports HD

UK: Sky Sports

USA – NBC Sport

Nigeria – SportLemon.tv