The boss had already asked the Blues’ supporters to create an electric atmosphere after the weekend FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United.
But, with the match now less than 24 hours away, he says he is certain that the atmosphere inside the Etihad will be white-hot for the visit of the Premier League leaders.
“I’m pretty sure, the rumours (I heard) a lot of people will come and support us,” said Guardiola.
“I don’t have doubts about that.
“The Premier League is the Premier League. After many months, to play at home against the team who have been the best in the league (is exciting).
“We can forget we are five points behind - that is the reality.
“People say ‘no two games left in hand’ we have to win.
“I would prefer we played these two games and have six points, because we have to win them, and nobody knows what is going to happen.
“The reality is we are five points behind Arsenal, so the best team so far for the numbers and many things for this part of the season.
“The fantastic football they were playing it was there.
“It is important still we are there. Always months ago I said, ‘hopefully we’ll have the chance’. ‘
“When Arsenal come to our home, still we are there. That is the reality and in the end we could do it.
“Now we have to do another. After Arsenal we still have seven more games to play which is a lot.
“It’s not 50 or 20 games but seven games, it is still a lot, with of course our Champions League involvement, but that is the position.
“Like in December or November I couldn’t expect (this). Fortunately, we are here.”
City v Arsenal: App coverage
As always, the official Man City app will provide comprehensive coverage of our latest Premier League fixture.
Live updates will get under way at 18:00 (UK) on our Matchday Centre, with stats, analysis and commentary available across the evening.
Our Matchday Live programme will begin at 18:40 (UK) and presenter Cel Spellman will welcome Paul Dickov, Kolo Toure and Steven McInerney to the studio.
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The guests will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast. To get in touch, send a Whatsapp to: +447537186538.
Once the game gets under way, Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison will call the action from the Etihad Stadium with live audio commentary.
But the coverage continues after the final whistle - we’ll have post-match reaction from Guardiola and his players available shortly after the final whistle.
Match highlights can be accessed from midnight (UK) on Wednesday night and you can watch a Full Match Replay on CITY+ and Recast from the same time.
