Arsenal are in possession early on. Ben White picks out Bukayo Saka but he's closed down quickly by Nathan Ake.

Off we go!

Here come the players! Alexandre Lacazette roars as he leads the Arsenal side out.

There's a few boos for the City players before the Emirates erupts as Arsenal walk out.

We're going to have a slight delay to kick-off as assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis has an issue.

Fourth official Kevin Friend will take his place, while a new fourth official will be drafted in last minute.

Charlie Adam
Former Liverpool midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

The big thing about Pep [Guardiola] is he won't let standards slip. Raheem [Sterling] was unhappy earlier in the season and that looks to have changed. He's scored four in a row in the league and he is looking like he'll stay. He was linked with going to Barcelona and Real Madrid in this window. It shows the man management that he's got to keep everybody happy and he's dealt with this Covid situation as good as anybody. He uses his squad well and it wouldn't surprise me if [City] go and win three or four nil.

Arsenal

Arsenal assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg on the absence of Mikel Arteta: "Well of course he is still very much active but from a different spot today. We have clear communication and discussed the way we wanted to do that.

"He is alone at home pacing the room! But he will be in the background.

"We all know the qualities of Manchester City. They are one of the best teams in Europe I think. It will be a great challenge, we all know that.

"They have been in great form, but so have we."

Charlie Adam
Former Liverpool midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

On October 30, Man City lost to Crystal Palace and they were third in the league. Everyone thought [the title race] was going to be between Chelsea and Liverpool; Chelsea were top, Liverpool second. Suddenly there is a two month period where they've gone on that eight, nine game unbeaten run, winning every game, it just shows how quick it can flip. The dominance they've shown this season has been incredible.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola speaking to BT Sport on Joao Cancelo: "Yes of course we spoke with him. It was a real tough moment for him and his whole family was there.

"It was really scary and unfortunately it happened but he is good and ready to play."

On the title race: "I know the media has to talk and the pundits but I don't know what is going to happen.

"It is not already done. If you want to give me the title and we can go on holiday? Great! But game by game we will see what happens."

Almost ready to go at the Emirates.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Will KDB get a goal or assist today?

Image source, Getty Images

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Pep Guardiola has been down this road before. Whether you are in the starting XI or not, every single one of you know what to do and they have suddenly come out of their shell.

I do think a lot of it is Kevin de Bruyne coming back. They were winning before he came back, but then suddenly it's 7-0, 4-0, 6-3 and you think 'wow'. He does add something special

But Arsenal have won all seven New Year's Day Premier League home matches by an aggregate score of 17-3...

So who knows.

Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert

As much as Arsenal have improved, and as good as their home record is - only Manchester City's is better this season - there is still a huge gulf between these two sides.

The difference is not going to be as big as it was when City beat the Gunners 5-0 at Etihad Stadium in August, but taking on the leaders is a heck of an ask for Arsenal's young side.

When I look at how City have been playing during their run of 10 straight league wins, I can only think this is going to be victory number 11.

Prediction: 0-3

Lawro's full predictions v KAWALA guitarist Dan McCarthy.

West Ham United

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice returns after suspension and will make his 150th Premier League appearance for the club.

The Hammers could be without Pablo Fornals, who missed the victory at Watford after a positive Covid-19 test.

Arsenal have lost the past nine league meetings - their longest ever losing streak against a particular club.

Manchester City are on a run of six straight away victories at the Emirates Stadium, including four in the Premier League.

The Gunners have failed to score in their previous five top-flight games with City, one short of their longest such streak against any opponent.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have Wilfried Zaha available again after a one-match ban.

Conor Gallagher is a fitness doubt and manager Patrick Vieira will be assessed on Saturday over a possible return from Covid-19.

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Mikel Arteta is looking at it differently thinking he has to have his best players out there against the best side. However, I think this is one of the most interesting games of the season.

It may well be the birth of Arsenal, they have had a good period but this is them playing against their mirror image but who are much better at it and the core of this style of play.

I don't think Arsenal will back down and it could be a cracker of a game.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who is not at the game today due to Covid, has spoken to BT Sport.

He says he will give his staff "space and freedom" to work but will try and offer as much support as possible from home today.

He also described Manchester City as the most in-form team in Europe.