Arsenal vs Manchester City Prediction, Preview, Odds: 21/9/2025

The Premier League serves up another heavyweight clash this weekend as Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates. Both clubs enter the fixture with key absences, new recruits adjusting, and a long-running rivalry that has grown into one of the most compelling narratives in English football.

Arsenal’s Injury Concerns and New Faces

Mikel Arteta’s squad is stretched thin in attack. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka are all sidelined, while defensive stalwarts William Saliba and Ben White face late fitness tests. Summer signing Christian Nørgaard is also a doubt.

Against Liverpool last week, the Gunners lined up with Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyökeres leading the line, a trio that showed flashes of promise. Eberechi Eze, another new arrival, is expected to take on a larger creative role as the season progresses.

Several notable names have departed the club, including Raheem Sterling, Jakub Kiwior (Porto), Oleksandr Zinchenko (Nottingham Forest), and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who left on a free transfer. Midfielders Thomas Partey (Villarreal) and Jorginho (Flamengo) also moved on. To compensate, Arsenal reinforced with a host of signings: goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea), defenders Mosquera (Valencia) and Piero Hincapié (Leverkusen), midfielder Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), and forwards Madueke (Chelsea) and Gyökeres (Sporting CP).

Manchester City’s Selection Issues

Pep Guardiola is facing his own personnel challenges. Defenders Joško Gvardiol and John Stones are unavailable, along with Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, Savinho, and full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri. Squad players like Bettinelli and Kalvin Phillips are also sidelined.

Despite these setbacks, City retain formidable weapons. Erling Haaland, fresh from scoring five goals for Norway during the international break, has already netted three times in the Premier League and is expected to spearhead the attack. Rodri, last year’s Ballon d’Or winner, anchors the midfield alongside new signing Tijjani Reijnders.

In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma—signed late in the transfer window from PSG—could make his debut. City’s summer overhaul also saw major departures: Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Manuel Akanji (AC Milan), Kyle Walker (Burnley), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), İlkay Gündoğan (Galatasaray), and Jack Grealish were among those who left. In return, the club added Donnarumma, James Trafford, Reijnders, Aït-Nouri, young talent Sverre Nypan, and Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.

A Rivalry Beyond the Pitch

This fixture has evolved into one of the Premier League’s fiercest rivalries. From Emmanuel Adebayor’s infamous celebration in 2008 to last season’s post-match theatrics involving Haaland and Gabriel, the intensity runs deep. Arsenal’s emphatic 5–1 win over City earlier this year still lingers, giving Arteta’s side a psychological edge heading into this contest.

The managerial duel adds another layer. Guardiola has accused Arsenal of employing “dark arts,” while Arteta has maintained a calm defiance. Beyond tactics, this matchup has become a clash of philosophies: Guardiola’s legacy of dominance versus Arteta’s rising ambition to reshape the Premier League landscape.

Prediction

With both sides missing key figures, expect a cautious opening. Arsenal’s midfield creativity through Zubimendi and attacking thrust from Gyökeres could expose City’s weakened defense. Haaland will remain a constant threat, but Arsenal’s home advantage and collective discipline may prove decisive.

This result would not only mark a statement win for Arteta’s side but could also redefine the trajectory of the title race, further solidifying Arsenal as genuine contenders.

Prediction: Arsenal 2 – 1 Manchester City