Arsenal are desperate to find something to cheer about this season, while Manchester City, after falling away in the Premier League title race, will want to be in a position to lift at least one title – the FA Cup semifinal promises to be an attack vs attack exercise that should give the defence-loving fans a jolt or five.
The Gunners are going through one of their worst seasons under Arsene Wenger, with the Frenchman under pressure to leave his post at the end of the campaign. While Wenger remains adamant on staying – or at least that is the feeling – if Arsenal end up losing this game against Manchester City, his position as manager will become even more slippery.
Much will depend on the performance as well. Bow out despite a fantastic performance and the Arsenal fans might forgive and forget. Lose in the manner in which they have lost so many games over the past couple of months and Wenger will not have a leg to stand on, no matter what he has done for this club over the past 21 years.
"Every competition brings a psychological atmosphere," Wenger said. "We have seen teams not doing well in the Premier League and then suddenly they are doing very well in a different competition.
"They don't carry the negative vibes of bad experiences in this competition.
What a moment, what a header, what a man.
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 22, 2017
An @EmiratesFACup semi-final classic from #MrArsenal ? pic.twitter.com/8vrh9WMbB4
"The Premier League is more of a marathon and this is more condensed and quicker rewarded. It is a result of one game, so let's go for it and see who is the best on the day."
Neither team could be separated the last time Arsenal played Manchester City, with that particular Premier League game ending in a breathless 2-2 draw. Defence was shunted out by both sides for that game, and it won't be a surprise if it happens again.
"For all clubs, titles are so important," Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said.
"Of course, titles help to win confidence that the club is able to do great things. Winning titles gives you the self-confidence to say we're good enough to compete. Whether we win the trophy or not, nothing will change in terms of expectations for us.
A "no holds barred" episode! ?
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 22, 2017
Inside City ➡️ https://t.co/ctV8lu2kIc #mcfc pic.twitter.com/0KIWD6r9Os
"I would like to win the FA Cup so my players realise how good they are. At the moment, they don't realise how good they are, but winning titles helps this. When you win a title, it's a lot of stress and pressure, and if you handle that the next time it will be a little bit easier. That's why it's important."
The winner of the match will face Chelsea in the FA Cup final after the Premier League leaders got the better of Tottenham 4-2 in a pulsating first semifinal on Saturday.
When and where to watch live
Arsenal vs Manchester City is set to begin at 3pm BST (7.30pm IST). Live Streaming and TV information below.
India: TV: Ten 1. Live Streaming: Sony Liv.
UK: TV: BT Sport 1. Live Streaming: Watch BT Sport.
USA: TV: Fox Sports 1. Live Streaming: FoxSoccer2Go.
Middle East: TV: Bein Sports Arabia. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
Singapore: TV: Eleven.
Malayasia: TV: Astro SuperSport 4. Live Streaming: Astro on the Go.
Australia: TV: ESPN. Live Streaming: ESPN Player.
Canada: TV: Sportsnet World. Live Streaming: Watch Sportsnet World.
