It’s first versus second in the Premier League this weekend, as defending champions Manchester City take on their biggest title rivals Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
Having come close to ending City’s reign in the last two seasons, the Gunners will be hoping that their new summer additions will be enough to finally get them over the line in 2024/25.
In order to prove their title credentials, they’ll first have to go through Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City side this Sunday.
Here’s the four key battles which could define the game at the Etihad.
William Saliba vs Erling Haaland
The best defender in the world vs the best striker in the world?
This is what these top of the table Premier League clashes are really all about.
Both Erling Haaland and William Saliba head into this game in arguably the form of their lives too. Haaland has been in demonstrative form in the first few weeks of the 2024/25 campaign, netting a rather ridiculous nine goals in just four league games thus far.
At the other end, Saliba has been as impressive, marshalling the Gunners defence in a number of solid outings – particularly last week in a 1-0 win over north London rivals Tottenham.
The defender is also one of the very, very few that got the better of Haaland on two occasions last season, keeping the striker off the scoresheet in both Premier League clashes.
Can he do it again on Sunday? We’ll soon find out.
Rodri vs Kai Havertz
With Martin Odegaard out of action for an extended period of time, it looks like Kai Havertz will be asked to drop back into an attacking midfield role.
And thanks to that role change, he’ll be tasked with going head-to-head with the best defensive midfielder – and possibly best all-round player – in the world today: Rodri.
Tough gig, eh?
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that the Germany international’s clever and constant movement will cause Rodri some problems.
Bukayo Saka vs Josko Gvardiol
Arsenal’s ‘Starboy’ was many (including myself’s) pick to win the 2024/25 player of the year award, and to that, he needs to be a match-winner in the two games against champions City.
Standing in his way will be Croatia star Josko Gvardiol. The defender has been thoroughly impressed on the left-hand side of City’s fluid defence since the turn of 2024, but will certainly have his work cut out for him when up against Bukayo Saka.
Jeremy Doku vs Jurrien Timber
For just how many goals City have scored so far in 2024/25, the lack of output from their wide players has been pretty surprising.
Jeremy Doku is one of their wide options that, despite starting three games and having Haaland to aim at in the box, has yet to register a single goal contribution thus far.
The Belgian is likely to get the chance to start against Arsenal thanks to his pace and trickery, but he’ll need to add some end product to his game if he’s going to get anything out of the recently returned Jurrien Timber.
