Arsenal vs Manchester City Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 02.02.2025

• Date and Time: Sunday, February 2, 2025, 16:30 GMT+1
• Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England

Arsenal vs Manchester City Preview and Team news 

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal are in the thick of the title race but have struggled with consistency in recent weeks. Mikel Arteta’s side secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolves, despite going down to 10 men after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card. Arsenal also maintained their European form with a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, all but sealing their place in the knockout stages.

Arteta has built a well-balanced side, excelling in possession-based play and high pressing, but recent defensive lapses, such as their 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, have cost them crucial points. 

Arsenal have shown strength in attack, but their defensive organization has been a concern, particularly in transition moments when opponents exploit space behind their full-backs. 

On we go. pic.twitter.com/5WepzYgDXE

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 30, 2025

With key absences like Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), and Ben White (knee), Arsenal’s attacking depth is a concern, and their squad rotation options are limited in key areas.

Additionally, Arsenal’s midfield battle against Manchester City will be pivotal. Declan Rice has been a standout performer, anchoring the midfield with strong defensive contributions and distribution. However, he will need support from Ødegaard and maybe Jorginho to dictate the tempo and disrupt Manchester City’s pressing patterns. 

With us all game long 📣

Incredible support once again, Gooners. Safe travels back home 👏 pic.twitter.com/RootcOHKCY

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2025

Arsenal must utilize quick, one-touch passing sequences and positional rotations to create overloads in midfield and stretch City’s defensive shape. If they can transition effectively from deep areas and bypass Manchester City’s vulnerability counter-press, they will generate more progressive movements and increase their attacking penetration in the final third.

Furthermore, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard have stepped up in crucial moments, making Arsenal still a formidable threat. Havertz’s versatility allows him to play as a false nine or attacking midfielder, providing Arsenal with fluidity in the attacking phase. 

The Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/NvtlBGcd5K

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2025

His ability to find pockets of space and link up with runners like Martinelli and Trossard will be crucial in Arsenal’s approach to breaking down Manchester City’s defensive setup.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori; Odegaard, Jorginho, Merino; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli.

Unavailable: Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Manchester City Team News

Manchester City come into this game after a 3-1 comeback win over Chelsea, showcasing their resilience following a disastrous Champions League loss to PSG (4-2). 

Despite a dip in form earlier this season, City remain one of the most dangerous sides in Europe, largely thanks to Erling Haaland’s prolific goal-scoring and Phil Foden’s creative spark.

One key tactical element for Manchester City will be their ability to control possession and dictate tempo through their midfield dominance. Kevin De Bruyne’s vision and Bernardo Silva’s press resistance will be crucial in breaking Arsenal’s defensive shape. 

Back on the road this weekend 🛣️

🤝 #AsahiSuperDry pic.twitter.com/X28ZzF5JZi

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 30, 2025

Manchester City’s buildup play is often orchestrated through quick interchanges between De Bruyne, Silva, and Rodri (out – ACL injury), allowing them to bypass opposition pressing lines and create high-quality chances.

However, Guardiola’s side has struggled defensively, as seen in their 2-2 draw against Brentford, where they squandered a two-goal lead. 

With Ruben Dias out (abductor), Nathan Aké (muscle) doubtful, and Jeremy Doku (injury) missing, City’s backline will need to be more compact against Arsenal’s direct attacking transitions. 

Savinho seals our spot in the play-offs! 🇧🇷💥 pic.twitter.com/mjSA4rIWIW

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 30, 2025

John Stones stepping into midfield as an inverted full-back could provide extra stability, but it may also leave gaps in the wide areas that Arsenal’s wingers, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, will look to exploit.

Furthermore, City’s defensive line has shown vulnerabilities against quick, vertical counter-attacks, something Arsenal will aim to capitalize on with Ødegaard’s line-breaking passes and Rice’s ball-carrying ability. Guardiola may opt for a double pivot with İlkay Gündoğan and Kovacic to provide additional defensive coverage, ensuring better control of central spaces.

Manchester City predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-3-3): Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland.

Unavailable: Rodri, Jeremy Doku, Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Aké.

Arsenal vs Manchester City Prediction 

• Pick: Manchester City won`t lose
• Odds: 1.79 (22Bet)
• Score prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester City

Manchester City’s attacking depth, coupled with Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities, gives them an edge in this contest. While Arsenal have shown resilience at home, City’s superior individual brilliance in attack make them favorites to claim all three points. 

Expect a high-intensity game where both teams get on the scoresheet, but Manchester City’s clinical finishing could prove decisive.

Final touches 🎨 pic.twitter.com/C5S3c5tK3y

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 29, 2025

Additionally, Manchester City’s ability to dominate central areas through intricate passing and third-man runs will be key. With Rodri unavailable, Kovacic and Bernardo Silva will need to ensure Man City’s transitions remain sharp, preventing Arsenal from launching quick counters. 

This midfield battle will determine whether Manchester City can dictate the tempo or whether Arsenal can impose their aggressive pressing game.

Moreover, Haaland’s movement between Arsenal’s center-backs could be a decisive factor. His ability to occupy both defenders while creating space for Foden and De Bruyne to exploit makes him a major threat. If City can effectively combine their quick vertical play with well-timed runs in behind, they should have enough firepower to secure victory.

Arsenal vs Manchester City Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Erling Haaland score
• Odds: 2.6 (22Bet)

Haaland has consistently delivered in big matches, and Arsenal’s defensive line, which has looked shaky in recent weeks, could struggle against his physicality and movement. 

Given the creativity behind him—De Bruyne, Foden, and Silva—it is highly likely that he will get the chances to extend his scoring tally.

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