Manchester City can set themselves up to succeed once again on multiple fronts and lift their confidence for the season's run-in with a win over title rivals Arsenal in Sunday's blockbuster Premier League clash, midfielder Rodri said.

A point separates the top three teams after 28 games, with Arsenal and Liverpool tied on 64 points and Manchester City in third place with 63 points.

Asked about City's clash against Arsenal, Rodri told reporters ahead of the Etihad showdown: "I'm not saying it's going to be decisive, but it will be very important for our confidence, and we will show them that we are here again.

"It's not just this game that's like a final, it's all of them from now until the end of the season. We're still in every competition, but any game that you lose can practically leave you out of the running.

"Really that's the level that this league demands from you, to reach between 90 and 100 points to be able to win the league. So, we have to win practically every game and that starts against Arsenal, who are currently the league leaders."

Apart from being involved in the Premier League title race, City have also reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League and the FA Cup semifinal.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester City are without defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker, who both suffered injuries on England duty.

Manuel Akanji, Kevin de Bruyne and Matheus Nunes have been passed fit and Ederson is likely to start after recovering from a muscle injury.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta says "there's a chance" that injured trio Gabriel, Bakayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will recover for this game.

David Raya will return after missing the win over his parent club Brentford.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

§ Manchester City have won eight consecutive home matches against Arsenal in all competitions since a 2-2 Premier League draw in May 2016.

§ However, the Gunners were victorious in the reverse fixture at the Emirates in October, ending a run of 12 successive league wins for City.

§ The north London side are seeking to complete a league double over City for the first time since 2007-08.

Manchester City

§ Manchester City are unbeaten in 38 matches at the Etihad in all competitions, winning 33 and drawing five.

§ Pep Guardiola's side are also on a club record run of scoring in each of their past 57 home games in all competitions.

§ However, City are winless in all five of their top-flight fixtures this season against sides currently in the top five of the table, drawing three and losing two.

§ Guardiola has beaten Arsenal 16 times in his Manchester City career, second only to his 17 victories against Burnley.

§ Erling Haaland has failed to score in 11 of his past 16 appearances for club and country.

§ Kevin de Bruyne is two short of 100 City goals in all competitions.

Arsenal

§ Arsenal have won all eight of their Premier League games in 2024, scoring 33 goals and conceding just four.

§ They last won nine top-flight matches in a row between January and March 2004 during the unbeaten 'Invincibles' season.

§ The Gunners have won just once in 19 previous Premier League away fixtures against the defending champions, losing each of their last five.

§ Mikel Arteta's side have scored five or more goals in each of their past three Premier League away games.

§ They are vying to keep four successive top-flight away clean sheets for the first time since May 2005.

§ Kai Havertz could become the first player to score in five consecutive Premier League appearances during his debut season at Arsenal since Thierry Henry in 1999-2000.

(Pieced together from AFP and BBC reports)

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