The Premier League title race reaches its boiling point today as Manchester City host Arsenal in what many are calling the match of the season. With Arsenal sitting top of the table and Manchester City breathing down their necks just six points behind with a game in hand, every selection matters. Kick-off is at 4:30pm WAT at the Etihad Stadium, refereed by Anthony Taylor, and both managers have now named their official starting line-ups and substitutes.
Here is the full official team news straight from the clubs.
Manchester City starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal. The back four consists of Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly. Rodri and Bernardo Silva anchor midfield, while Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku provide the creative spark in attack, supporting lone striker Erling Haaland. Bernardo Silva wears the captain’s armband.
Manchester City substitutes:
Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden.
Pep Guardiola has been forced to shuffle his defence once again. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol remain sidelined through injury, opening the door for young Nico O’Reilly to start at left-back after proving his fitness. The inclusion of exciting summer signing Rayan Cherki in the attacking trio and the continued presence of Abdukodir Khusanov at centre-back show Guardiola’s willingness to trust youth and new talent in this massive fixture. Erling Haaland leads the line as expected, hungry for goals against a strong Arsenal backline.
Arsenal starting XI (4-3-3):
David Raya is in goal. Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and Piero Hincapié form the defensive unit. Martin Ødegaard captains the side alongside Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice in midfield. Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze complete the attacking three.
Arsenal substitutes:
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard, Max Dowman, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Jesus.
Mikel Arteta has made some bold calls. Bukayo Saka is confirmed absent with an Achilles issue, so Noni Madueke gets the nod on the right and Eberechi Eze starts on the left. Kai Havertz leads the line in place of Viktor Gyökeres, who drops to the bench. The midfield trio of Ødegaard, Zubimendi and Rice gives Arsenal real control and balance, while the back four looks solid with Mosquera stepping in at right-back.
Both teams have named strong, attacking line-ups that promise an open, high-intensity contest. City’s attacking midfield trio of Semenyo, Cherki and Doku could cause serious problems on the flanks, especially with Haaland waiting in the box. Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to use their midfield dominance and the pace of Madueke and Eze to hit City on the break.
This is more than just three points — it could define the 2025/26 Premier League title race. Will Haaland and City’s new-look attack break down Arteta’s resilient side, or will Arsenal’s depth and organisation secure a vital away win?
Stay tuned for live updates, match reactions and post-match analysis right here. Who do you think has got their team selection spot on today? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.