Manchester City host Arsenal on Sunday in the first meeting between the two favourites for this season’s Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola’s team have been better than the Gunners over the past two seasons, but Mikel Arteta’s team have gone from strength to strength and have closed the gap steadily.
A win for Man City would put them five points clear of Arsenal at the start of the season.
However, Arsenal could go top of the table if they beat the home side, which would really show their quality.
Here, Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan gives his verdict on the performances of Manchester City’s stars this season, while Isaan Khan calls the shots for Arsenal ahead of today’s big game.
Manchester City host Arsenal in the first clash between this season’s title favourites
Manchester City
Iderson (Age: 31; Apps: 338) – 7
A relatively quiet start to the season for the Brazilian, who has made 2.5 saves per game in the Premier League so far. Pep Guardiola was frustrated with his distribution against Inter in midweek, but an assist for Erling Haaland in the win over Brentford underlined his abilities.
Kyle Walker (Age: 34; Apps: 303) – 6
Rico Lewis has been handed the shirt at right-back following Walker’s late return from the Euros and the teenager continues to impress. But Walker, who has come off the bench twice so far, has been working on his fitness during the international break and played an Under-21 game for National League North side Buxton.
Kyle Walker has come off the bench twice but has been working on his fitness in recent weeks
Ruben Dias (Age: 27; Apps: 184) – 7.5
Fitted back in seamlessly after the summer break and has played in every Premier League game so far. Scored an own goal in a nervy first half at West Ham but recovered from there and looks set for another long season.
Manuel Akanji (Age: 29; Apps: 102) – 8
Man of the match in the goalless draw with Inter and a strong start to the campaign, with the Swiss international and Dias currently keeping John Stones out of the starting line-up. Appears to have recovered from his missed Euro 2016 penalty without any problems.
Josko Gvardiol (Age: 22; Apps: 48) – 7.5
Finished his debut season brilliantly and has continued that form into his second. Strong in one-on-ones and gives Guardiola a lively outlet on the left. Becoming a mainstay of the City back four.
Manuel Akanji has recovered strongly from missing a penalty for Switzerland at Euro 2024
Rodri returned injured after a long break and made his first start against Internazionale
Rodri (Age: 28; Apps: 259) – 6
A soft, gentle approach to his summer comeback, Rodri returned injured after a long break but was handed a first start of the year against Inter and grew into the game as it progressed.
Bernardo Silva (Age: 31; Apps: 361) – 7.5
Knits City together nicely, whether centrally or on the right. Just going through the gears at the moment, although he was superb in the opening weekend win over Chelsea. Two assists already.
Phil Foden (Age: 24; Apps: 272) – 6
Was ill for two weeks, which put him at a disadvantage. Gave the Inter game a real boost when he came on at half-time and should have scored. The PFA Player of the Year now seems to have the same energy as ever after his best year yet.
Phil Foden now seems to have the same energy as ever, after his best year yet
Ilkay Gundogan still needs time to get back up to speed after his return from Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan (Age: 33; Apps: 308) – 6.5
Will rue the midweek misses but it’s as if he’s never been away since sealing that romantic Barcelona return in August. Still needs some time to get back up to speed and has admitted City are playing a slightly different style these days.
Jeremy Doku (Age: 22; Apps: 48) – 7
Has stepped it up a notch this semester. Scares defenders and seems to add a bit more end product, even if they haven’t translated into numbers yet. Dribble power gives City another dimension.
Erling Haaland (Age: 24; Apps: 104) – 9.5
A truly stunning start, with nine Premier League goals already and successive hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham, before a double over Brentford. Says he has never felt fitter and is a sure bet for a third successive Golden Boot.
Erling Haaland has had a stunning start to the season with two hat-tricks and two goals
Arsenal
David Raya (Age 28; Apps: 46) – 9
The best goalkeeper in the world right now? Possibly, after a string of incredible saves against Wolves, Aston Villa and Atalanta. Arsenal’s most in-form player and one to watch. Could be the difference between the two teams.
Ben White (Age: 26; Apps: 139) – 6
An important cog in the team, as last season, but has started slowly to his own high standards. Played reasonably well against Atalanta, but struggled against Brighton. The defender will certainly do better.
David Raya argues he may be the best goalkeeper in world football right now
William Saliba and Gabriel are telepathic and cover each other well when they are in danger
William Saliba (Age: 23; Apps: 88) – 7.5
There aren’t many better central defenders. He and Gabriel are telepathic and cover each other well when they are in danger. Started well and wants to build on this. This is the perfect match to show his class.
Gabriel (AGE: 26; Apps: 173) – 8
Like Saliba, a mainstay in this team. His headed winner from a corner against Tottenham was a reminder of his set-piece threat. The Gunners love set-pieces. Manchester City will be on their guard.
Jurrien Timber (Age: 23; Apps: 8) – 8
Started the last four games and looked confident. Physically the Dutchman is a unit. He has recovered well from a cruciate ligament injury that ended his campaign last season, which will be a relief for Mikel Arteta as such injuries can take a lot out of a player.
Declan Rice (age 25; apps 55) – 7
A large part of the Gunners midfield, both defensively and offensively. His one-game suspension against Spurs was felt, even though Arsenal won. Even more so now that Martin Odegaard is injured.
Jorginho (Age: 32; Apps: 54) – 6.5
When it comes to the big games, Arteta is a stickler for calling up Jorginho. He played in both league games against Man City last season. He had a decent performance against Spurs, in his only game this season, but has stepped up to the plate time and time again when needed.
Kai Havertz (Age: 25; Apps: 56) – 7.5
One of the first names on the Arsenal team sheet today. Most effective as a leader of the front line but also able to provide a physical presence in midfield. He is likely to play a major role in the physical battle between the two teams.
Kai Havertz is likely to play a major role in the physical battle at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday
Bukayo Saka showed signs of excellence during performances against Wolves and Aston Villa
Gabriel Martinelli is struggling to make the desired impact and his starting place is at stake
Bukayo Saka (Age: 23; Apps: 231) – 7.5
Showed his brilliant bursts against Wolves and Aston Villa. You can feel there are still a few gears to go. On his day he can be unstoppable. Can Man City move forward from those further gears?
Leandro Trossard (Age: 29; Apps: 73) – 7
Has had to deal with being in and out of the starting line-up. That can’t be easy to accept, but the Belgian is selfless. His clinical nature in front of goal makes him a threat until the last minute.
Gabriel Martinelli (Age: 23; Apps: 173) – 6
Overall, the Brazilian has struggled to make the desired impact. His box product is erratic. Will need to raise his levels urgently this Sunday. His starting spot is also increasingly at stake.