Buy Manchester City vs Arsenal tickets for the 2026/27 Season, with the Premier League meeting scheduled for Saturday 30 January 2027 and a 15:00 GMT kick-off currently set at the Etihad Stadium. Games between the top two are usually picked for television, so the date and time can still move once the Premier League confirms its broadcast selections for the round. This is matchweek 23, the return fixture after the two sides meet at the Emirates on 28 November 2026.
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This is a meeting of last season's top two. Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the league title in 2025/26, and Manchester City finished as runners-up after beating them 2-1 at the Etihad in April. With City now under a new manager and Arsenal defending the crown, the January game is one of the key dates of the Premier League season.
This fixture has become the defining rivalry of the modern Premier League. City and Arsenal have finished first and second in several of the last few seasons, and their meetings often decide the direction of the title race. For supporters of both clubs, this is the game they circle first when the fixture list comes out.
The balance of power shifted last season. Arsenal won the league for the first time since 2004, ending City's run of dominance, and arrive in Manchester as champions for the first time in a generation. City want to show the title was a one-off, and Arsenal want to prove it was not.
There is a new storyline in the City dugout too. Pep Guardiola left at the end of 2025/26 after ten seasons, and Enzo Maresca was appointed in June 2026 on a three-year contract. Maresca worked under Guardiola at City before managing elsewhere, so his first home game against the champions carries extra weight.
The Etihad is bigger than it was. The expanded North Stand opened on 24 May 2026, raising capacity from around 53,400 to roughly 61,500. That adds thousands of general admission seats, but demand from members for a fixture of this size still far outstrips supply.
Arsenal bring a full away following. Their allocation for a trip of this profile sells out through the club's own system, and many Arsenal fans across the north of England look for seats elsewhere in the ground. That adds pressure on home areas and resale stock.
Timing sharpens demand further. Late January is when the title race begins to settle, and a win for either side at this stage can shape the run-in. Supporters planning around the reverse meeting, Arsenal vs Manchester City in November, often buy both games together.
International demand adds to the pressure. City have a large following in the Gulf, Asia and North America, and Arsenal's title has brought a new wave of overseas supporters. Both groups compete with local fans for the same limited pool of seats.
Not through the club. City sell home match tickets only to members, with a Premium, Matchday or Junior membership required before you can buy. Even then, access for this fixture is restricted.
City classify this as a high-demand game. For the first release, only members who bought tickets for at least three home Premier League matches across 2024/25 and 2025/26 qualified for priority access, limited to one ticket each. That first release is already off sale.
Further releases follow later in the season, including tickets returned through the Season Ticket Exchange. These appear a few weeks before the match and sell quickly, so a new member without purchase history has little chance of securing a seat this way.
Face values through the club sit between £40 and £60 for adults, with reduced prices for juniors, young adults and over-65s. Those prices are modest for a match of this size, which is exactly why demand is so strong and why members with history snap them up.
Arsenal supporters face their own funnel. The away allocation is sold through Arsenal, with priority for members with the most away credits. Most Arsenal fans will not reach that stage for a trip to the champions' closest rivals.
A resale marketplace removes those barriers. There is no membership requirement, no purchase history and no need to wait for a release date. You choose the stand, the number of seats and the delivery method, and you know your area before you pay.
The trade-off is price. Resale listings reflect demand rather than face value, so central seats will cost well above the club's own prices. The benefit is certainty, which matters when trains and hotels in Manchester need booking weeks in advance.
Buying early also protects your choice of area. The first listings to go for this fixture are usually pairs in the Colin Bell Stand and central East Stand blocks. Buyers who wait often end up choosing between upper-tier seats and the most expensive lower-tier listings.
Five factors shape what seats cost for this 2026/27 fixture. Seat location matters most, with lower and middle-tier seats on the halfway line commanding a clear premium. Demand for an Arsenal visit is strong from the moment the fixture list is published.
Timing plays its part, since prices often firm up once the broadcast date is confirmed. League position adds weight if the two sides are close at the top. Hospitality sits in its own bracket entirely.
| Ticket Type | Resale Price Range | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Stand and South Stand upper | £170 – £260 | Value-seekers who want to be in the ground | Behind the goals, high view of the whole pitch |
| South Stand lower | £200 – £300 | Fans who want the home atmosphere | Rail seating and the loudest home section |
| East Stand | £220 – £340 | First-time visitors wanting a side-on view | Long side opposite the main stand |
| Colin Bell Stand central | £280 – £450+ | Couples and buyers wanting the classic TV angle | Main stand near the halfway line |
| Hospitality and VIP | £600 – £1,500+ | Corporate groups and special occasions | Lounge access with dining depending on package |
Prices reflect typical resale ranges and may change as demand and availability shift closer to the match.
For context, the gap between face value and resale is wider here than for most City home games. A £50 face value seat can trade at four or five times that level for this fixture, because almost none of the club's stock reaches general sale.
Group size matters too. A single seat or a pair is far easier to source than four together, and sellers price larger blocks accordingly. If your group is happy to split across two neighbouring rows, better value is usually available.
The Etihad Stadium opened in 2002 for the Commonwealth Games and became City's home in 2003. With the North Stand expansion complete it holds around 61,500, and the bowl is elliptical, so corner seats sit on a smooth curve with clear sightlines. The Etihad Stadium seating plan shows how each block sits relative to the halfway line and the away section.
The Colin Bell Stand runs along the west side as the main stand, with the tunnel, dugouts and premium seats. The East Stand faces it. The South Stand houses City's most vocal home supporters, while the new North Stand behind the other goal adds three tiers of general admission. Arsenal fans are placed in the South East corner, which has its own concourse.
| Area | What It Suits | Pricing Bracket | Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Bell Stand | Buyers wanting the classic TV view | Upper | Main stand with the Tunnel Club and central premium seats |
| East Stand | Buyers wanting a central view for less | Mid to upper | Long side opposite the main stand; strong sightlines |
| South Stand | Fans who want noise and rail seating | Mid | Home end; blocks beside the away corner carry more stewarding |
| North Stand | Value-seekers and families | Lower to mid | New three-tier stand behind the goal with rail seating |
| South East corner (away) | Arsenal supporters | Lower to mid | Visiting section sold through Arsenal; red belongs here only |
Neutral buyers and undecided fans should aim for the East Stand or the Colin Bell Stand. Home areas are for home supporters, so leave Arsenal colours at the hotel if you are not in the away section, and pick a listing that names the block before you pay. For every fixture at the ground this season, our Etihad Stadium tickets listings bring them together in one place.
Each level has its own entry and concourse, so a Level 0 ticket does not give access to Level 1 or above. Front rows in the lower tier are close to the pitch but low, and rows around 8 to 16 usually give a better balance of closeness and view.
The South Stand lower tier is the heart of the home support, with rail seating that lets fans stand throughout. It is not the place for a quiet afternoon, but for supporters who want the full sound of a big Etihad night it offers the strongest atmosphere in the ground.
Families and first-time visitors usually find the East Stand or the North Stand strikes the right balance. Both give a clear view at a lower price than the main stand and avoid the intensity of the blocks nearest the away corner.
Hospitality at the Etihad covers everything from premium seats to luxury lounges. The club lists premium packages from £290 and luxury experiences from £625 at face value, and for a visit from Arsenal these are among the most requested products of the season.
| Hospitality Option | Typical Buyer | Main Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Premium seat with lounge | Individuals and pairs | Padded central seat with lounge access before and after the match |
| 1894 Club | Small client groups | Dining and drinks with seats in the Colin Bell Stand |
| Tunnel Club | Occasion buyers | View of the players walking to the tunnel and pitch-level seats |
| Private box | Corporate hosts and larger parties | Private space overlooking the pitch with dedicated catering |
Inclusions vary by package, so read each listing for arrival times, dress guidance and what food and drink is included. The Tunnel Club, where guests watch the players walk from the dressing room, is the product most closely associated with the Etihad.
Hospitality also solves the group problem. Standard seats for four or six together are hard to find for this fixture, whereas a box or dining package is sold as a unit. For client entertaining or a milestone birthday, it removes the guesswork about where everyone will sit.
The wider redevelopment adds more options around the stadium. New hospitality areas, a fan zone and an entertainment space called Medlock Square are part of the North Stand project, along with an on-site hotel, so a full day at the Etihad is now possible.
Tickets for Premier League matches are issued in several formats. The delivery method appears on every listing, so confirm it suits you before you pay.
| Delivery Type | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Mobile tickets | Transferred to the club app or a digital wallet; confirm the account is set up well before matchday |
| E-tickets | PDF or print-at-home; confirm the name details and keep a backup copy |
| Membership card transfer | Loaded to a member's card; confirm how and when access will be passed to you |
| Collection | Handed over near the stadium or in the city; confirm the meeting point and time in your order |
City home tickets are largely digital, so charge your phone fully and download the ticket before you leave the hotel. Mobile signal around the stadium can be weak on a full matchday.
The Etihad sits on the Etihad Campus in east Manchester, around two miles from the city centre. The Etihad Campus tram stop on the Metrolink is next to the ground, and the walk from Manchester Piccadilly takes around 30 minutes. Aim to arrive at least an hour before kick-off, since security searches and turnstile queues build on a sell-out afternoon.
Timing of delivery varies by method. Premier League tickets are often released to sellers in the final days before kick-off, so a transfer arriving the week of the match is normal rather than a warning sign. Your order confirmation shows the expected dispatch window.
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Step1
Find the fixture
Search for Manchester City or Arsenal and select the January 2027 Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium.
Step2
Set up your account
Create an account with your email address so your order and delivery details are saved in one place.
Step3
Choose your stand
Compare the Colin Bell Stand, East Stand, South Stand and North Stand against your budget and the atmosphere you want.
Step4
Match the supporter section
Home and away areas are listed separately. Arsenal fans should buy in the South East corner away section only.
Step5
Select quantity
Pick how many seats you need and look for listings that confirm seats together if that matters to your group.
Step6
Read the listing notes
Review the delivery method, any colours restrictions and the expected dispatch date before continuing.
Step7
Pay securely
Complete payment on our encrypted payment page and keep the confirmation email for your records.
Step8
Follow your order
Use track order to see dispatch progress until your tickets arrive.
Value for a City big match comes from timing and flexibility rather than luck. These five habits consistently help buyers get more for their money at the Etihad.
Manchester is easy to reach from across Europe and beyond. Manchester Airport has direct flights from much of Europe, the Middle East and North America, and trains run from the airport to Piccadilly in around 20 minutes. Mobile tickets and e-tickets suit international buyers most, since they reach you wherever you are.
Staying in the city centre gives you the widest choice of hotels and restaurants, and the Metrolink makes the trip to the Etihad simple. Hotels fill quickly for big matches, so book as soon as your seats are confirmed. Plan your return before you travel, since trams and trains after the final whistle are busy for an hour or more.
Groups should request seats together at the point of purchase rather than assume a listing will split cleanly. Premier League kick-off times can move for broadcast reasons, so book flexible travel where you can. If you are following Arsenal, home games at the Emirates Stadium make the other half of this fixture.
Manchester rewards a longer stay. The Northern Quarter, Deansgate and Ancoats are full of bars and restaurants, and the city's museums and music venues fill a free evening. Cards are widely accepted across the city and at the stadium.
Saturday afternoons at the Etihad start early. The fan zone outside the ground opens well before kick-off, with music, food and big screens, and the new Medlock Square adds to the pre-match options. Arriving early is the surest way to soak it up and makes the security queues easier to manage.
Arsenal made a winning start at City's new home. On 31 August 2003, during their unbeaten title season, they came from behind to win 2-1 through Sylvain Wiltord and Freddie Ljungberg. Arsenal won five of the first eight Premier League meetings at the stadium, including a 3-0 win in October 2010.
The balance changed with City's rise. In September 2009 City won 4-2, with former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor among the scorers, and in December 2013 they won 6-3, with Fernandinho scoring twice. Arsenal's last Premier League win at the Etihad came on 18 January 2015, a 2-0 victory, and City have not lost to them at home in the league since.
Recent meetings have carried title stakes. City won 4-1 in April 2023 with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice, a result that swung that season's title race their way. John Stones rescued a 2-2 draw with a 98th-minute equaliser in September 2024, and in April 2026 Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland scored in a 2-1 win, although Arsenal still went on to take the title.
What makes this fixture distinctive is how firmly the home side now holds the edge. Across 23 Premier League meetings at the Etihad since 2003, City have won 13, Arsenal six and four have been drawn. City are unbeaten in the last 11, with eight wins and three draws.
For a buyer, that history points to a fixture with genuine edge. Arsenal arrive as champions but have not won a league game at the Etihad in more than a decade, while City's new manager faces his first home test against the side that ended their reign. Both ends of the stadium will make themselves heard.
The wider rivalry adds context. City and Arsenal have been the two most consistent teams at the top of the Premier League in recent seasons, and their meetings in both Manchester and London have often shaped the title race. With both clubs chasing the title again, the January game is one of the key dates in the calendar.
The figures below cover Premier League meetings at the Etihad Stadium, formerly the City of Manchester Stadium, with Manchester City as hosts since the 2003/04 season.
| Metric | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 23 |
| Manchester City wins | 13 |
| Arsenal wins | 6 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Manchester City goals | 46 |
| Arsenal goals | 29 |
| Widest Manchester City win | 5-0 |
| Widest Arsenal win | 0-3 |
| First Premier League meeting in scope | 31 August 2003 |
| Most recent meeting in scope | 19 April 2026 |
Source: Football-Data results archive and Manchester City club season records.
All 23 results are listed newest first.
| Date | Score |
|---|---|
| 19 Apr 2026 | Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal |
| 22 Sep 2024 | Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal |
| 31 Mar 2024 | Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal |
| 26 Apr 2023 | Manchester City 4-1 Arsenal |
| 28 Aug 2021 | Manchester City 5-0 Arsenal |
| 17 Oct 2020 | Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal |
| 17 Jun 2020 | Manchester City 3-0 Arsenal |
| 03 Feb 2019 | Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal |
| 05 Nov 2017 | Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal |
| 18 Dec 2016 | Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal |
| 08 May 2016 | Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal |
| 18 Jan 2015 | Manchester City 0-2 Arsenal |
| 14 Dec 2013 | Manchester City 6-3 Arsenal |
| 23 Sep 2012 | Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal |
| 18 Dec 2011 | Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal |
| 24 Oct 2010 | Manchester City 0-3 Arsenal |
| 12 Sep 2009 | Manchester City 4-2 Arsenal |
| 22 Nov 2008 | Manchester City 3-0 Arsenal |
| 02 Feb 2008 | Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal |
| 26 Aug 2006 | Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal |
| 04 May 2006 | Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal |
| 25 Sep 2004 | Manchester City 0-1 Arsenal |
| 31 Aug 2003 | Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal |
Source: Football-Data results archive and club season records, with each score confirmed by two independent records.
November or December is a good window, before the broadcast date is confirmed and before the final fortnight when prices tend to firm up.
Arsenal supporters are placed in the South East corner, a self-contained away section with its own concourse.
No, you can buy without a membership, although the seller's delivery method may involve a digital transfer to your phone.
Yes, provided the listing states seats together. Pairs are easiest to find, while groups of four or more should buy early.
Options range from premium seats with lounge access to the 1894 Club, the Tunnel Club and private boxes.
Sources: Premier League official 2026/27 fixture list; Manchester City official club website; Football-Data results archive; Manchester City club season records; The Stadium Business.