Arsenal's opportunity as Manchester City faces two latest setbacks ahead of their bid to overtake the Premier League lead.
On 21 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, the Premier League's second-placed team, provided the latest update at a press conference ahead of their midweek away match against Burnley, the 19th-placed team near the relegation zone, scheduled for Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026 GMT+7.
Manchester City, with 67 points, will move up to the Premier League table's top spot, overtaking Arsenal, if they win by at least one goal in this match. Both teams would then have 70 points and a goal difference of +37, but currently, the "Sky Blues" have scored more goals (Man City 65 goals / Arsenal 63 goals).
However, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manchester City will be missing key midfielder Rodri, who suffered a groin injury in their recent 2-1 victory over Arsenal. Meanwhile, star defender Ruben Dias remains unfit due to a hamstring injury sustained in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Real Madrid on 18 Mar 2026 GMT+7.
The Manchester City manager said of Rodri and Ruben Dias, "I think tomorrow he (Rodri) is still not ready. We'll reassess before the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton. Ruben Dias is also not ready."
As a result, Manchester City will be without three injured players for the away match at Burnley: Rodri (groin), Ruben Dias (hamstring), and Josko Gvardiol (leg).
