Can Haaland and Saka exploit opponents' weak spots?

The meeting of Manchester City and Arsenal on Wednesday is the most eagerly awaited match of the season, pitting Pep Guardiola up against his former assistant Mikel Arteta for the third time so far in 2023.

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Both managers will need to make do without key defenders for this potentially decisive encounter, so Adrian Clarke takes a closer look at how the two Spaniards may look to exploit any possible weaknesses.

Will City take direct route against Holding?

Guardiola altered his side’s usual style of play quite dramatically for both of City’s matches against Arsenal this season.

Partly in a bid to nullify Arsenal’s much-improved press and in an attempt to test Arteta’s central defenders up against the pace and power of Erling Haaland, they played a far higher frequency of longer passes.

In only one other Premier League match this season, Brighton & Hove Albion at home, have more than 10 per cent of City’s passes been classified as long and it was 10.1 per cent.

But in their 3-1 league win at Emirates Stadium, that ratio was an incredible 17.2 per cent.

Boasting only 36.5 per cent share of possession, and with an unusually low passing accuracy of only 72.3 per cent, City took on a very different approach.

Man City's most long passes 22/23

City’s direct style of play towards Haaland was problematic for Arsenal in both matches as they asked questions and picked up second balls from individual errors.

Haaland unsettled Rob Holding on several occasions in the 1-0 FA Cup win, and in the league encounter his height and running power certainly caught the eye.

The Norwegian almost won a penalty when running in behind Gabriel, and he also played a key role in Kevin De Bruyne’s opener.

His aerial threat from Ederson’s goal-kick forced an error from William Saliba, and from his backheader Takehiro Tomiyasu’s poor backpass was intercepted by De Bruyne.

Does Stones role change things?

Since those meetings Guardiola has begun to use John Stones in central midfield in a bid to help his side play out from the back with increased assurance.

If he adopts such a 3-4-3 with a box-shaped midfield against Arsenal on Wednesday evening it could indicate that City will play fewer long passes this time.

Even so, Arsenal and stand-in central defender Holding would be advised to ready themselves for more a direct tactical approach from the hosts.

To combat this threat they must be resilient, and leave as little space in behind as possible.

Saka to make most of Ake absence?

Nathan Ake has been City’s best defender this season, so if he misses out through injury, it could be good news for Arsenal’s talisman Bukayo Saka.

The right-winger has found it difficult to influence matches when up against the assured and athletic Dutchman, who is superb in 1v1 situations.

It is Saka’s forte of course, and his driving runs down the right will be a concern for Guardiola’s defenders.

Best ball carriers 22/23

The searing pace and directness of Saka and fellow wide forward Gabriel Martinelli has potential to cause problems for City’s wide centre-backs in a 3-4-3.

With the ball at their feet, these two Arsenal youngsters are among the best in the division, creating 85 chances between them from successful ball carries.

Bayern Munich’s pace in wide areas caused City issues in their recent UEFA Champions League tie, so look out for the Gunners targeting this area.

Turnovers key for both teams

City’s second and third goals against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium came from regaining possession inside the Gunners’ half.

Pressing brilliantly as a team they suffocated Arteta’s players, forcing a series of mistakes during an outstanding second-half display.

In their draws against West Ham United and Southampton, Arsenal were also fragile against the press, so you can be sure City will harass with aggression.

Top turnover teams (with rank)

But Arsenal will also hunt for turnovers in advanced areas.

At times during both matches against City they went man-to-man and did their best to force regains inside the opposition half.

As the stats above highlight, these are the two best pressing sides in the Premier League.

The team who cope best with their opponents’ press, making the fewest mistakes under duress, is likely to prevail in this high-stakes duel.

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Man City v Arsenal - Everything you need to know