Arsenal and City to face off five times in a month

This season, both Arsenal and Manchester City are vying for glory across four major trophies—the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, and Carabao Cup. Adding to the excitement, the two English giants could face each other up to five times within a single month, offering football fans an unparalleled spectacle.

The rivalry is intensified not only by the stakes but also by the history between the two managers. Pep Guardiola, City’s experienced tactician, once had Mikel Arteta as his assistant at the Etihad Stadium. Now, Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a formidable force in his own right, challenging his former mentor at every turn. Over recent years, Arsenal have fallen agonisingly close to silverware, but this season, momentum seems to favour Arteta and his troops. Maintaining their current rhythm could see the Gunners secure multiple trophies, including the Premier League, for the first time in nearly two decades.

Currently, Arsenal lead the Premier League table by six points over City. Supporters are daring to dream of a league triumph that would echo back to 2004, ending the club’s long wait for top-flight glory. Yet, City remain a major hurdle, with the next five head-to-head encounters likely to determine the league’s ultimate outcome.

Last week, both clubs secured places in the Carabao Cup final. Arsenal overcame Chelsea with a 4–2 aggregate in the semifinals, while City defeated Newcastle United comfortably to book their Wembley showdown on 22 March. However, the sides could meet even earlier in the FA Cup. Arsenal will face Wigan Athletic in the fourth round, while City take on Salford City. Victories here could set up an FA Cup fifth-round clash as early as 7 or 8 March. Beyond that, quarterfinals, semifinals, or a final could ensure further head-to-head encounters.

There is also a strong possibility of a Champions League showdown. Both teams have advanced comfortably to the knockout stages. Should the draw pair them in the quarterfinals, the fixtures could take place on 7/8 April and 14/15 April. Just days later, Arsenal will travel to the Etihad on 18 April for what might be considered an unofficial Premier League final. In total, from 22 March to 22 April, football fans could witness five high-stakes Arsenal–City battles.

Guardiola commented: “It could happen. I don’t know what will happen in the Champions League, but the league schedule is fixed. I like playing against strong teams at the end of the season, especially when it feels like a final.”

Arsenal are currently among Europe’s in-form sides, having won all their Champions League matches so far and 21 out of 24 Premier League fixtures. For this season to be truly historic, Arteta’s side will need to overcome the formidable challenge posed by Guardiola’s City.

Potential Arsenal vs Manchester City Fixtures (March–April 2026)

*Subject to results in preceding rounds.

If all fixtures align, this one-month period promises to be a historic chapter in English football, pitting Arteta against his former mentor in a series of high-stakes showdowns that could define the season.