Man City in need of a win

Man City host Arsenal at the Etihad on Saturday, hoping to break a run of two games without a win in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 5-2 by Leicester and then drew 1-1 at Leeds United meaning the Blues only have four points from their first three games.

Some fitness news

Sergio Aguero is back in training but is not yet back fit, while Raheem Sterling was absent for England during the international break but is in contention to start. Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness is unknown, after missing Belgium’s win against Iceland.

Getting ready to go again! 📸☔️

🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klUGiM pic.twitter.com/SrZMQ2ZEpm

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 13, 2020

Arteta will be hoping to hand out a debut to new signing Thomas Partey – signed from Atletico Madrid on deadline day. Kieran Tierney is a doubt after having to self-isolate during the international break.

Head-to-head and form

The last time these sides met was in the FA Cup semi-finals when former City assistant Mikel Arteta got the better of Guardiola, as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners.

However, City won both league fixtures last season against the Gunners, winning 3-0 both times. Kevin De Bruyne scored three times across the two fixtures. Arsenal have not beaten City in the league since 2015.

Arsenal in top four

Arsenal have lost just once in their opening four league games – a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool.

They sit fourth in the Premier League with nine points and beat Sheffield United 2-0 before the international break.

However, they’ve only had 30 shots so far this season, the third fewest in the division. Liverpool by contrast have taken 75 shots in their four games and Man City have had 53 shots having played a game fewer than Arsenal.

🏆 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙂𝙤𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝

Congratulations, @Aubameyang7 🥇 pic.twitter.com/y6TurlVEjM

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 15, 2020