The biggest game of the Premier League season is here as Manchester City host Arsenal at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s side have sat at the summit of English football since September with a first league title in 22 years still within their grasp.
But cracks have begun to show. Defeat in the Carabao Cup final, elimination from the FA Cup final and a dismal defeat to Bournemouth last time out has fuelled panic at the Emirates.
In the background, City have been waiting for their moment. Having schooled the Gunners at Wembley just last month, victory today would cut Arsenal’s lead to just three points and deal a seismic blow to their hopes of getting over the line.
But a first win at the Etihad since 2015 for the Gunners today would dispel the anxiety and surely extinguish City hopes once and for all. It really doesn’t get bigger than this.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.
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April 19, 2026 3:17 pm
Confirmed Man City XI to face Arsenal
Tony Mogan
Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O’Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden
April 19, 2026 3:17 pm
Confirmed Arsenal XI to face Man City
Tony Mogan
Raya, Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Odegaard, Madueke, Havertz
Subs: Kepa, White, Jesus, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Norgaard, Trossard, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman
April 19, 2026 3:15 pm
Odegaard starts for Arsenal
Tony Mogan
The captain is back!
April 19, 2026 3:13 pm
How we have Man City lining up today
Tony Mogan
Ruben Dias is still out today. But Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi were formidable in victories over Liverpool and Chelsea and will be expected to continue their partnership at the back today.
April 19, 2026 3:11 pm
How we have Arsenal lining up today
Tony Mogan
With so many injury doubts, it is anyone’s guess really. Mikel Arteta could have a real problem on the right if Noni Madueke is not available along with Saka… but it could open the door for Max Dowman to start.
April 19, 2026 3:10 pm
Will Arsenal bottle it?
Tony Mogan
Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
City fans have come prepared.
April 19, 2026 3:07 pm
Man City team news – O’Reilly available
Tony Mogan
Nico O’Reilly is available after an injury scare last week. Having scored twice in the Carabao Cup final, the left-back was on the score sheet again against Chelsea last week before a hamstring injury forced him off shortly after.
O’Reilly has shaken off the issue however and is expected to keep his place in the side.
Ruben Dias has not recovered in time from an ankle injury with John Stones also expected to miss out. Josko Gvardiol also remains a long-term absentee.
April 19, 2026 3:06 pm
Arsenal team news – Saka ruled out
Tony Mogan
Mikel Arteta revealed this week his winger is struggling with an Achilles injury. While hopeful it is a matter of ‘days, not weeks’ before he is fit again, the Arsenal boss confirmed on Friday that Saka will not be available this afternoon.
Noni Madueke has served as Saka’s understudy for much of the season but he too is an injury doubt today.
Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori could also miss out today.
April 19, 2026 3:03 pm
Man City vs Arsenal live stream
Tony Mogan
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
April 19, 2026 3:03 pm
Man City vs Arsenal kick-off time
Tony Mogan
We are underway at 4:30pm sharp at the Etihad today.
April 19, 2026 3:01 pm
Good afternoon!
Tony Mogan
Settle it, it could be a big day.
Arsenal are at Manchester City, within touching distance of the Premier League title but still in a position to throw it all away.
Stick with us for all your build-up and team news.
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