Arsenal vs City: Five Clashes in One Month

This season, English football fans are in for an unprecedented spectacle as Arsenal and Manchester City, two of the Premier League’s heaviestweights, could face each other up to five times in just one month. With four major trophies up for grabs—the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the Champions League—these clashes could prove decisive in determining which club ultimately dominates the season.

The relationship between the two managers adds an extra layer of intrigue. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta was once Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City before taking charge of the Gunners and reshaping their fortunes. In recent years, Arteta has consistently challenged his former mentor, pushing Arsenal closer to top honours after several near-misses. If he maintains the current momentum, Arsenal could secure multiple trophies, including the Premier League, for the first time in nearly two decades.

Currently, Arsenal lead City by six points in the Premier League table, reigniting hopes among fans of winning their first league title since 2004. However, Manchester City remain a formidable obstacle, and the five upcoming encounters between the sides could prove pivotal.

Both teams have already reached the Carabao Cup final. Arsenal overcame Chelsea with a 4-2 aggregate victory in the semifinals, while City comfortably defeated Newcastle United. They will meet at Wembley on 22 March for the cup final, which promises to be a thrilling contest.

Before that, the FA Cup may also stage a potential clash. City face Salford City and Arsenal take on Wigan Athletic in the fourth round, with the possibility of meeting in the fifth round on 7 or 8 March. Even if they do not meet then, a quarter-final, semi-final, or final showdown is likely.

In the Champions League, both teams have secured progression to the knockout stages. Should the draw pit them against each other in the quarter-finals, the two-legged tie could take place on 7/8 April and 14/15 April. Shortly thereafter, Arsenal travel to City on 18 April for a Premier League encounter that could serve as the de facto league decider.

Potential Arsenal–City Encounters (March–April 2026)

Guardiola commented on the upcoming schedule:
"It is possible. We know the league fixtures, but I enjoy facing strong teams toward the end of the season, especially when it’s like a final."

Arsenal currently boast one of the finest runs in Europe. They have won all their Champions League matches so far and claimed victory in 21 out of 24 Premier League games. To make this season truly historic, Arteta’s side must overcome Guardiola’s formidable City team—a challenge that promises five weeks of exhilarating football for fans worldwide.