It’s first vs second in the Premier League this weekend as reigning champions Manchester City take on arch-rivals Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
Having come close to ending City’s reign in the last two seasons, the gunners they will hope their new summer additions are enough to see them through in 2024/25.
To prove their title credentials, they will first have to go through Pep Guardiola’s conquest. city side this sunday
Here are the four key battles that could define the game at the Etihad.
The best defender in the world vs the best striker in the world?
That’s what these Premier League fixtures are really about.
Both Erling Haaland and William Saliba go into this game probably in the form of their lives as well. Haaland has been in demonstrative form in the opening weeks of the 2024/25 campaign, scoring a rather ridiculous nine goals in just four league games so far.
At the other end, Saliba has been equally impressive, rallying the Gunners’ defense in a string of solid outings, notably last week in the 1-0 win over north London rivals Tottenham.
The defender is also one of the very, very few to beat Haaland on two occasions last season, keeping the striker off the scoresheet on both occasions. Premier League confrontations
Can you do it again on Sunday? We will soon find out.
With Martin Odegaard out of action for an extended period of time, it looks like Kai Havertz will be asked to step back into an attacking midfield role.
And thanks to this role change, he will be tasked with facing the best defensive midfielder – and possibly the best overall player – in the world today: Rodri.
Tough gig, huh?
Mikel Arteta expects the German international’s smart and constant movement to cause Rodri some problems.
Arsenal’s ‘Starboy’ was the choice of many (myself included) to win the 2024/25 player of the year award and for that he must be a winner in both games against champions City.
Standing in his way will be Croatian star Josko Gvardiol. The defender has impressed on the left side of City’s fluid defense since the turn of 2024, but will certainly have his work cut out for him when he comes up against Bukayo Saka.
For how many goals City have scored so far in 2024/25, the lack of output from their wide players has been quite surprising.
Jeremy Doku is one of their wide options who, despite starting three games and having Haaland to target in the box, has yet to register a goal contribution so far.
The Belgian is likely to get a chance to start against Arsenal thanks to his pace and guile, but will need to add some end product to his game if he is to get something out of the recently returned Jurrien Timber.
