Arsenal next five fixtures compared with Man City and Liverpool before huge title showdown
Arsenal have around 48 hours to prepare for their biggest match-up of the season, so far, against Premier League champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side were in Italy on Thursday evening for their first Champions League fixture of the 2024/25 campaign as they took on Atalanta – and drew.
Chances at the Gewiss Stadium came at a premium with the cagey affair ending goalless after David Raya expertly saved a penalty. Arsenal have now kept four clean sheets from their opening five games, and head into the clash at Etihad Stadium with confidence in their defensive capabilities.
City also drew a blank in their European curtain raiser against Inter Milan with the Gunners shown exactly how to prevent their weekend opponents from scoring. However, based on last season, it is already clear what they must do – but it remains to be seen whether Arteta or Pep Guardiola will push for all three points.
In terms of team news, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino have both been ruled out of the clash through injury, although Pep Guardiola could also be without a key player. In that stalemate against the Italian champions, Kevin De Bruyne went down injured just before half-time and was later replaced at the interval by Phil Foden.
Although the immediate focus is on this Sunday’s potentially title-deciding clash, the fixtures are set to come thick and fast for both teams with Liverpool also likely to be in the race.
Manchester City (A) – Premier League – September 22
The biggest game of the Premier League season so far takes place this weekend. Although it’s only the fifth game week, Arsenal could find themselves four points adrift of City if they are beaten, which is already a huge mountain to climb given the strength of Guardiola’s team, particularly during the run-in.
Bolton Wanderers (H) – Carabao Cup – September 25
A clash against Bolton kicks off a run of four consecutive games at Emirates Stadium spread across three different competitions. The Carabao Cup presents a great opportunity for the Gunners to win some silverware, with League One side Bolton – who are in the midst of a terrible run of form – as the visitors.
Leicester City (H) – Premier League – September 28
Newly-promoted Leicester City will then take on Arsenal at the end of September in league action. The Foxes are yet to secure a victory this season, but have shown promise with points taken off Tottenham and Crystal Palace. If the Gunners are serious about their title challenge, though, they should dispatch Steve Cooper’s side with ease.
Paris Saint-Germain (H) – Champions League – October 1
An enticing Champions League fixture awaits Arsenal at the start of October when they welcome PSG to north London. The French champions defeat Girona to kick off their European campaign and they will be out to secure another three points – in a much-anticipated showdown.
Southampton (H) – Premier League – October 5
The final clash in a run of four consecutive home games comes with the visit of Southampton. On the Saints’ last visit to Emirates Stadium, back in 2023, they significantly derailed Arsenal’s title charge with that clash ending 3-3.
Merino and Odegaard are still likely to be absent and, thus, other fringe players may be needed to step up with it being Arsenal’s fifth game in an action-packed 13 days.
Manchester City’s next five games in all competitions
Arsenal (H) – Premier League – Sunday, September 22
Watford (H) – Carabao Cup – Tuesday, September 24
Newcastle (A) – Premier League – Saturday, September 28
Slovan Bratislava (A) – Champions League – Tuesday, October 1
Fulham (H) – Premier League – Saturday, October 5
Liverpool’s next five games in all competitions
Bournemouth (H) – Premier League – played.
West Ham (H) – Carabao Cup – Wednesday, September 25
Wolves (A) – Premier League – Saturday, September 28
Bologna (H) – Champions League – Wednesday, October 2
Crystal Palace (A) – Premier League – Saturday, October
