![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Manchester-Citys-Erling-Haaland-696x464.jpg\" "\\"Manchester")
SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to a classic Premier League rivalry, as Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium on the evening of Wednesday 26 April 2023.<\/p>\n
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Preview<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n While Arsenal appeared to be well on course for a first Premier League title since the \u2018Invincibles\u2019 season of 2003-04, a combination of stuttering form from the Gunners (who have drawn their last two matches 2-2, against Liverpool and West Ham United, giving up a two-goal lead in both) and the relentlessness of the Citizens (eight wins and one draw from their last nine league matches) means this match could well decide whether the PL trophy heads to North London or remains in Manchester come Matchday 38 in late May.<\/p>\n Arsenal could open a seven-point lead at the top of the table if they can beat Southampton on Friday night, but the two games in hand for Man City means they control their own fate: beat Arsenal next Wednesday night and a perfect run through to the rest of the season guarantees a fifth PL title in the last six seasons for Pep Guardiola and his charges.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m certain it is not the pressure. It is we misunderstood what was needed in that moment,\u201d said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in the wake of the 2-2 draw with West Ham this past weekend. \u201cIt was very different to Liverpool in terms of the pattern of play. But that is the next stage, you have to play with the same purpose when it is 2-0. You have to have more composure to finish the game. When you drop your level so quickly the game is there for the opponent.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan believes a shock defeat to Southampton in the Carabao Cup back in January was the watershed moment that saw his team recapture their focus and determination.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had talks but everything that has happened was mainly on the pitch,\u201d Gundogan said. \u201cYou feel like it clicks on the field. Maybe up to Southampton in the cup, it didn\u2019t feel like it was 100 per cent clicking. Sometimes it just clicks, and you know this is the way to go. Now it feels a perfect fit for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n Head-to-head stats<\/strong><\/p>\n In head-to-head stats, Man City and Arsenal have met in 207 matches across all competitions since 1893. The Gunners have claimed 98 wins compared to 64 for the Citizens, while 45 games have been drawn.<\/p>\n The teams have met twice this season and Manchester City have won both matches: 1-0 in an FA Cup clash at the Etihad Stadium in January (courtesy of a rare goal from defender Nathan Ake) and 3-1 in a Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium the following month (Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland netted for City, while Arsenal\u2019s goal was a penalty from Bukayo Saka).<\/p>\n Key players<\/strong><\/p>\n Manchester City \u2013 Erling Haaland<\/strong><\/p>\n Effectively a \u2018Death Star\u2019 of a striker, Haaland has netted 32 Premier League goals in 28 appearances this season and the competition\u2019s record of 34 is within his reach \u2013 he could even match or eclipse it in this match against Arsenal! And there\u2019s more: that record of 34 is co-held by Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer from a time when the Premier League had 22 teams instead of the current 20, making each season a 42-game campaign instead of the current 38. Haaland could blitz the overall record with time to spare\u2026 in a shorter season!<\/p>\n Arsenal \u2013 Bukayo Saka<\/strong><\/p>\n Guilty of a key penalty miss against West Ham United last weekend, Saka has been in this dark place before, famously missing a spot kick in a penalty shootout for England in the final of Euro 2020 against Italy. The exciting winger bounced back from that setback in incredible style and has the class to do so again. Saka\u2019s pace, trickery, vision and intelligence have been at the forefront of Arsenal\u2019s attacking play throughout the season and the team from North London will need him to do it once again if they are to upset the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium.<\/p>\n Managers focus<\/strong><\/p>\n Manchester City \u2013 Pep Guardiola<\/strong><\/p>\n The Spanish tactician took a swipe at his team earlier this season, questioning their hunger and determination to win another Premier League title. Thus far, his criticism has proved a masterstroke, with the Citizens responding in strong style to put together a brilliant run of form that has not only brought them right back into the title race, but also seen them secure places in the semifinals of both the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. A mythical \u2018treble\u2019 of trophies is in sight for Guardiola and his charges, with this clash against Arsenal likely the first of several \u2018crunch clashes\u2019 as their potentially glorious season draws to a close.<\/p>\n Arsenal \u2013 Mikel Arteta<\/strong><\/p>\n The job Arteta has done to turn Arsenal from a team which couldn\u2019t crack the top four last season into one which could well win a first title in almost 20 years cannot be understated. The Gunners have played some of the best balanced and most tactically astute football anywhere in the world in 2022-23. Yet it is not their class or quality which is now coming into question; instead, their mental strength is being pointed out as a potential Achilles heel. Arteta\u2019s job for this clash will not only be about setting up his team tactically but bolstering their self-belief and confidence \u2013 finding the balance between tactics and emotion is the true test of a manager\u2019s greatness.<\/p>\n Prediction<\/strong><\/p>\n Manchester City hold an advantage in terms of being the hosts, having the mental edge over Arsenal (with two wins over the Gunners already this season), and having momentum on their side. Yet taxing matches against Bayern Munich and Sheffield United (in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup respectively) in the days leading up to this clash could take their toll on the Citizens. Can a fresher Arsenal use hunger and energy to upset City in their own backyard? Or will the Manchester club\u2019s greater squad depth and trophy-winning experience come into play?<\/p>\n We\u2019d back the team in light blue to prevail on the night and in the Premier League title race overall, but the Gunners have punched above their weight, again and again, this season\u2026 Can they land one final knockout blow, or will they be the ones trying to get up from the canvas at the end of 90 minutes?<\/p>\n No rival can compete with SuperSport\u2019s coverage. Our viewers on DStv and GOtv enjoy an unrivalled selection of football from around the world!<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss the best football action on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com to subscribe or upgrade and join in on the excitement. And while you\u2019re on the move, you can stream matches on the DStv App.<\/p>\n Premier League broadcast details<\/strong><\/p>\n All times CAT<\/p>\n Wednesday 26 April<\/p>\n 21:00: Manchester City v Arsenal \u2013 LIVE<\/strong> on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n