Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says he’s “excited” by the prospect of playing Manchester City on Sunday.

The Gunners were comprehensively beaten in both league games by the Premier League champions last season but Odegaard claims he is looking forward to the fixture:

“It’s a big game coming up and everyone is excited for the game. It will be a good game to play in. We have to look forward, make sure we’re ready, and show up on the Sunday.”

Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t really show up on Tuesday night as they lost their first match of the season against Lens in the Champions League.

Of course, City themselves haven’t been in the greatest form either, having lost 2 consecutive games ahead of their fixture against RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.

Even so, it is expected to be a highly-contested match, with the Gunners having the advantage of home support at the Emirates.

Arsenal could have to face City without a key player

Bukayo Saka had to be substituted during the first half of the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat to Lens on Tuesday evening, with the winger picking up a muscular injury.

After the game, manager Mikel Arteta was pessimistic about the 22-year-old’s chances of returning quickly. Odegaard, himself, says he is confident that his team can still be competitive against City even without their star man:

“I have spoken to Bukayo just a little bit. I don’t know what it is, to be honest. We’ll have to see I guess and hope it’s not too bad. We still have some great players. I think every team in the world would miss Bukayo but we have to see what happens in the next few days. Hopefully, it’s not too bad and he’s going to be ready.”

City will be looking to gain some momentum heading into this weekend

After losing against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup and to Wolves in the league, manager Pep Guardiola will be hoping for a reaction against Leipzig.

If the Citizens can secure the 3 points in Germany, it would give them a big boost ahead of the Arsenal clash.

Watch this video on Shots! TV previewing Manchester United and Manchester City’s upcoming games