Man City vs Arsenal: Premier League title decider between champions and champions-elect

There is always that fixture the Premier League throws up during the business end of the campaign. And you know it is this one.

Manchester City vs Arsenal is season-defining. Forget what Pep Guardiola or Mikel Arteta says.

The odds favour the champions. And why not?

City are unbeaten in 16 matches in all competitions since they were defeated at Tottenham in early February. That run has included 13 wins and three draws.

The Gunners, however, are on a run of three dramatic draws in succession, and questions are already being asked over their nerves in the run-in.

It comes down to this game at the Etihad.

Arsenal travel to Manchester five points clear at the top. But City have two outstanding fixtures left to play.

Erling Haaland has netted 15 goals in seven games, including doubles against Southampton and Leicester, providing two assists for good measure.

Without William Saliba at the centre of defence, Arsenal have conceded nine goals times – seven in the last three, with Rob Holding proving to be a massive downgrade from the Frenchman.

However, in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, the visitors will have wide men who can cause any team problems on their day. Up front, Gabriel Jesus will be looking to prove to Guardiola that he made a mistake in letting him leave last summer.

There is all to play for.

City wins and it is probably a wrap. Arsenal win and they remain in control of their destiny.

But it could yet end in a draw. And the log will remain as it was.