League leaders Arsenal will step out at the Etihad holding a five-point advantage over Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions.
City however have a crucial two games in hand on the Gunners – all of which means whoever emerges victorious in east Manchester will have the destiny of the 2022-23 league title in their own hands.
It’s an eagerly awaited match that has captured worldwide attention and anticipation.
For Argentine World Cup winner Alvarez however, the key priority for City going into the match is to look to maintain the drive and focus that has seen us go nearly three months unbeaten in all competitions, rather than be caught up in the occasion itself.
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“We have to focus on ourselves even though we know Arsenal are ahead,” Alvarez declared ahead of Wednesday night’s huge Etihad encounter.
“We still have to face them in the Premier League, and I think they are doing an amazing season.
“They have great players and are performing really good, which is what has made them win many games and be so consistent.
“But I think our strengths is to be focused on our game. We must keep an eye on them because we are going to face them.
“We are strong when we do what we know, play as we know, whatever the opponent is, to get the win, that´s the most important thing.
“I think that the most important thing is to keep focusing on ourselves and to keep getting three points every single game to be able to fight until the last game.”
A superb run of form has helped navigate City into a hugely exciting position where we are still fighting for silverware on three fronts as the season enters its business end.
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As well as vying with the Gunners for the Premier League title, City also have a historic first-ever Manchester derby FA Cup final with United to look forward to on June 3.
Meanwhile, we are also gearing up for a mouth-watering Champions League semi-final against holders Real Madrid next month in what will be a re-match of last season’s last four encounter.
For Alvarez, it’s an enticing scenario – but he says the key is for City to maintain the standards that have helped navigate us into this position as we enter the decisive final month or so of the campaign.
“In recent weeks we have been having a great season,” the Argentine striker added.
“But I think that the last days, the last weeks, are going to be the most important.
“It is when competitions are decided.
“The team is good. We want to continue like this to reach the end with as many options as we can.”
City v Arsenal
City play host to Arsenal on Wednesday in a huge Premier League encounter with kick-off at the Etihad set for 20.00 (UK) and you can follow the game across mancity.com and our official app.
We will start live updates at 18:00 on our Matchday Centre and that will run throughout the evening.
Our Matchday Live programme will begin shortly before team news arrives at 18:45 (UK). Cel Spellman will be in the studio with Paul Dickov, Kolo Toure and Steven McInerney on hand to give you a City-centric view on events.
During the game, Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison will talk you through proceedings with our radio commentary offering.
Afterwards, we will bring you all the reaction before short highlights and extended highlights are available from midnight.
CITY+ subscribers can watch the entire 90 minutes back from midnight on Wednesday.
Don’t forget, the best way to follow Manchester City is by downloading the official app!
