The world’s most popular league, the Premier League, gets back to action on Wednesday June 17, 2020, with a big one, when Manchester City host Arsenal. This game will air live on NBC Sports Network at 3:15 p.m. EST. City restart the season with not much to play for, but Arsenal is still battling to get to a European competition next season.

Manchester City enter Wednesday sitting in second place, with 57 points, but are 25 points behind leaders Liverpool. City are still fighting off third place Leicester City, who have 53 points, but City do have a game in hand on the Foxes.

Arsenal need to hit the ground running as they find themselves sitting in ninth place with 40 points. The Gunners are one of six teams with seven points of the final Europa League spot, currently occupied by Manchester United. Arsenal are also just eight points back of fourth place Chelsea for an unlikely Europa League berth.

 Manchester City  vs Arsenal Draw :

Manchester City’s last game played before the shutdown was a disappointing 2-0 loss to bitter rivals Manchester United. Anthony Martial got the scoring started in the 30^th minute and that was all the Red Devils needed for a big three points. The loss to United ended Manchester City’s five game winning streak. City are the third best home club in England thanks to a 9-2-2 record and 22 points.

Arsenal had a much better result heading into the shut down as the Gunners hosted West Ham and came away with a 1-0 win. Alexander Lacazette scored a goal in the 78^th minute to give Arsenal all three points. The Gunners went into the shutdown having won five of their previous six games. Arsenal are a mid-table road club this season thanks to a 2-8-3 record and just 14 points.

Series History:

These two clubs have met 198 times in the past and it is Arsenal who boasts a commanding 97-45-56 advantage. City won the reverse fixture 3-0 back in mid-December.

Game Prediction:

I expect the defending Premier League champions, Manchester City, to come out of the gates with a strong win.

Manchester City team news

Manchester City have been dealt a blow with the news that Kevin De Bruyne will miss the game after picking up an injury playing for Belgium against England. Sterling did not go on international duty due to a hamstring problem but is expected to be ready for Saturday. Ilkay Gundogan is available again but Sergio Aguero is still a little way from full fitness.

Manchester City predicted line-up (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Mendy; Foden, Rodri, Gundogan; Bernardo, Mahrez, Sterling.

Arsenal team news

Arsenal are optimistic that Kieran Tierney will be available despite having to quarantine while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to feature after shaking off an ankle injury. Gabriel will partner David Luiz in central defence while there is likely to be a debut for Thomas Partey in midfield.

Arsenal predicted line-up (4-3-3): Leno; Bellerin, Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Ceballos, Partey, Saka; Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang.

Last five results

Manchester City

3 Oct PL Leeds 1 Man City 1 D

30 Sep LC Burnley 0 Man City 3 W

27 Sep PL Man City 2 Leicester 5 L

24 Sep LC Man City 2 Bournemouth 1 W

21 Sep PL Wolves 1 Man City 3 W

Arsenal

4 Oct PL Arsenal 2 Sheffield United 1 W

1 Oct LC Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0 W*

28 Sep PL Liverpool 3 Arsenal 1 L

23 Sep LC Leicester 0 Arsenal 2 W

19 Sep PL Arsenal 2 West Ham 1 W

*Arsenal won 5-4 on penalties

PL Premier League LC League Cup