Crisis averted then for Manchester City. Or perhaps that should read crisis postponed? The champions of England escaped the league phase and through a certain prism, there is a case to be made that Pep Guardiola's side are well into the post-nadir period of their season.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted their clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League will be “extremely difficult.” The two European heavyweights have been paired together in the knockout play-offs on Friday.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their past three Premier League matches against Manchester City as they prepare to welcome Pep Guardiola's side to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta remains ‘uncertain’ whether or not David Raya will be fit enough to make his return against Manchester City on Sunday. The Spain international has been in sensational form this season and had been a near ever-present before he was forced to miss Wednesday’s win over Girona.