The first game between these two sides this season was a strange affair for several reasons, not least because Pep Guardiola seemed to abandon his usual tactics after an early goal from Erling Haaland had given his side a lead within 10 minutes.

City were happy to sit back for much of the rest of the match and it almost paid off too, but for a late equaliser from Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian lifted an accomplish finish over Gianluigi Donnarumma to secure a point in the 93rd minute, and you get the sense Arsenal would take a similar result this afternoon.

The City captain ended speculation about his future on Thursday by revealing he will depart the club at the end of the season when his contract expires following a trophy-laden nine years in the north-west.

Guardiola hopes Silva can add a couple of pieces of silverware to the 19 honours he has already won before he exits, with City aiming to bag the Premier League and FA Cup to complete a domestic treble.

He released a statement on his social media pages, reading: “When I arrived nine years ago, I was following a dream of a little boy, wanting to succeed in life, wanting to achieve great things. This city and this club gave me much more than that, much more than I ever hoped for.”

The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium holding a six-point advantage over Pep Guardiola’s side, with avoiding defeat potentially pivotal in their pursuit of a first league title in 22 years.

Despite the high stakes, Arteta remained resolute in his pre-match press conference.

"I’m not going to spend one second talking about that," he declared when asked about a defensive approach. "We prepare every game to win. That’s why we are where we are and we’re going to continue to do the same."

Erling Haaland believes the key to Manchester City’s title decider with Arsenal lies in the mind and said it is vital not to overthink things.

He explained: “I have always said that you need to take care of your body. But for me, the mind and being in a good state of mind is really important. Now, it is a huge game coming up.

“You should stay calm in your head and don’t think of too much, because that’s the worst thing that can happen. How I prepare? It’s to train good, it’s to prepare well tactically with the team and it's to try to be free in your mind. Don’t think too much, don’t overthink too much, think positively and try to get ready for the game mentally and physically.”

Man City 20/23

Arsenal 3/1

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The last time Arsenal beat Man City at the Etihad Stadium was under Arsene Wenger in January 2015.

A first-half penalty from Santi Cazorla was backed up by Olivier Giroud in the second half.

Of course, a point would represent a good result for Mikel Arteta’s side today, but a win might just clinch the title, extending the lead to nine points with City only having six games remaining.

Recent form is in Arsenal’s favour, if you look beyond the Carabao Cup final, but Man City hold a formidable home record against the Gunners.

Since the start of 2023, City have won just once in seven games against the Gunners, though they had won eight in a row before that point.

Arteta has not won at the Etihad as a manager, and the last away win for Arsenal in this contest was back in January 2015.

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Arsenal’s lead was nine points a week ago. It could be wiped out by Wednesday evening. Manchester City have been the pursuers Arsenal could not shake off; or did not, anyway. Guardiola has caught them in the run-in before and has long spied the opportunity to do so again. “Months ago, because we dropped points in moments where we thought we would not, I saw the calendar and said when Arsenal come at home it can be the chance if we are not 20 points behind,” he said. “Six points is not a short distance but we have the chance to do it.”

Mikel Arteta’s side squeezed through midweek to the Champions League semi-finals, but their grip on top spot in the Premier League has loosened in recent weeks.

There is still a six-point lead currently, but City hold a game in hand, meaning a point could prove vital with just five games remaining for the Gunners after today.

But Arteta is not focusing on the value of a point:

"I’m not going to spend one second talking about that," he declared when asked about a defensive approach. "We prepare every game to win. That’s why we are where we are and we’re going to continue to do the same."

He added, "we have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging for the title, and with the possibility to win and the opportunity to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and the best manager that this league has ever seen. That’s a huge privilege, and we can’t wait to play, and we’re going to prepare the game to win it, that’s for sure."