The last two Premier League campaigns have seen Arsenal and Manchester City duel for glory but this year is a tad different.
Few would have expected the reigning Premier League champions to be the team enduring an underwhelming and inconsistent season, but Pep Guardiola's conquerors have surrendered their status as England's best team this term.
However, it isn't Arsenal that have taken the mantle, with the Gunners this time battling Liverpool for top flight supremacy. Mikel Arteta's men are attempting to keep pace with the league leaders as the campaign's conclusion draws closer.
Sunday's battle between Arsenal and Man City could have long-lasting consequences in this year's title fight, with Arsenal desperate for victory at home to the Cityzens for the second successive season.
With September's meeting throwing up plenty of drama and chaos, here are the key battles that could prove pivotal at the Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel vs Erling Haaland
The conflict at the Etihad Stadium back in September was epitomised by the ferocious skirmish between Arsenal centre-back Gabriel and Man City forward Erling Haaland. The two were locked into a feisty individual duel for much of the contest and neither walked away with the spoils as the ten-man Gunners conceded incredibly late to John Stones during a 2-2 draw.
The pair frequently locked horns in Manchester, including an incident in which Haaland threw the ball at the back of the defender's head, and they will renew their rivalry on Sunday.
With William Saliba back for the Gunners, Haaland will once again try to isolate Gabriel. The centre-back is not quite in the same stratosphere as his defensive partner despite having flourished over the past 18 months.
Gabriel will endure a tough afternoon in his attempts to keep Haaland under wraps, with the resurgent Norwegian having now scored three in his last four matches. The physical approach of both will undoubtedly capture the attention of audiences on Sunday and the winner of the battle could well celebrate the bragging rights come the final whistle.
Martin Odegaard vs Kevin De Bruyne
There are plenty of similarities between Martin Odegaard and Kevin De Bruyne. The duo share some key attributes, including an effortless gliding gait and exceptional passing range, and they will both be integral to their side's success at the weekend.
In particular, Odegaard could have an enormous impact. With Bukayo Saka injured, Arsenal will rely even more on the ingenuity of their skipper, who will carry the creative burden for his team almost single-handedly. Operating in the right half-space that his counterpart De Bruyne loves so much, he should get joy against a misfiring Man City defence.
De Bruyne's influence on the reigning champions is waning with every passing month but the Belgian can still be a difference-maker in north London. He has provided four assists since the turn of the year and can still be an astonishing creator on his day.
Jurrien Timber vs Omar Marmoush
Omar Marmoush was arguably not a signing that Man City needed to make but that doesn't detract from his obvious quality. The Egyptian enjoyed a meteoric rise during his time with Eintracht Frankfurt and managed 33 goals contributions in 26 matches for the German outfit before his January exit.
The speedy and clinical forward, who can operate as a central striker or winger, made his Man City debut against Chelsea last weekend and is in line to start on Sunday having missed the Champions League clash with Club Brugge midweek.
The Egyptian will likely come up against Jurrien Timber at the Emirates and it should be an intriguing battle between the pair. The Arsenal defender has performed well in a range of roles this term but will have his work cut out to deny Man City's new recruit.
Kai Havertz vs Manuel Akanji
Having just seen Arsenal bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, Kai Havertz now knows his position is under threat. The German has come under fire over the past month for his wastefulness in front of goal and Gabriel Jesus' season-ending injury has only piled more pressure on his shoulders.
But Havertz has scored two in his last four appearances and is always a players who creates chances through his clever moment and technical quality. Finding his shooting boots on Sunday will be integral to Arsenal's success.
Manuel Akanji will be one of the centre-halves tasked with stifling Havertz and the powerful Switzerland international coped well with the former Chelsea man during the reverse fixture, limiting him to just a single shot and an xG of 0.07.
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