Man City vs Arsenal: Three Key Battles To Look Out For

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In a monumental Premier League tie which will have massive consequences, Arsenal travel to the North-West part of England to face Manchester City on Wednesday (April 26).

Arsenal are currently sitting top of the Premier League table with 75 points after 32 games. Man City are second with 70 points, but they have only played 30 matches. As the table toppers clash at the Etihad, a win for Man City will ensure the title fate is in their own hands.

Arsenal have played some exciting football this season and were holding a big lead with Man City, but the gap has narrowed in the last few games. The Gunners could only manage three draws in their last 3 PL games, and need a win on Wednesday to keep the destiny in their own control.

There will be some top-notch players who will be locking horns against each other. And today we take a look at some key battles in the match-

Erling Haaland vs Gabriel Magalhaes

This battle will be crucial for Arsenal. Erling Haaland has been racking up goals throughout the season. The task will be on Gabriel Magalhaes to keep Haaland calm. With William Saliba out injured, Gabriel's responsibility is even bigger and the Brazilian's duel against the Norwegian will play a significant part in the outcome of the match.

Haaland scored in the previous meeting at the Emirates between these two sides as Man City beat Arsenal 3-1.

Bukayo Saka vs Nathan Ake

Arsenal's starboy Bukayo Saka has been in scintillating form. The England international has scored goals galore so far and has been a key performer on the right-hand side of their attack.

At the Etihad, he will be up against Nathan Ake, who plays as a left-back. Ake dealing with Saka promises to be a key battle as the Gunners man can cause a lot of damage to Man City.

Pep Guardiola may deploy another midfield player to double team against Saka, but Ake's positional awareness and pace during transition will be pivotal.

The Midfield Battle

This is a collective battle, but midfield control is perhaps the biggest battle in this high-voltage encounter.

Manchester City's rich midfield is comprised of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan - who will be dictating the proceedings and feed the attackers to hunt the Arsenal defense. It is to be seen how Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shapes up his midfield.

A potential absence of Granit Xhaka can be a big blow but Thomas Partey, Jorginho may have the responsibility to control the midfield for the North London club. Partey's ability to win balls and rally forward in transitions can be effective, while Jorginho may well have a much bigger defensive role.

All in all, the midfielders will have a massive role. Both attacking midfielders Kevin de Bruyne (Man City) and Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) will be floating and may have positional independence so that they can take a bigger part in the offence.

Mikel Arteta is up against his guru Pep Guardiola. It is a massive battle for both of the Spaniards as the pendulum of the Premier League title will swing in favour of the winners.

Man City vs Arsenal Schedule, Streaming Details and Telecast

Man City vs Arsenal Date: Wednesday, April 26 (Early Hours of Thursday, April 27 in India)

Man City vs Arsenal Time: 8 pm GMT / 00.30 am IST

Man City vs Arsenal Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Man City vs Arsenal Telecast in India: Star Sports Network

Man City vs Arsenal Live Streaming in India: Disney + Hotstar App and Website