Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has said their next Premier League fixture against Arsenal at the Etihad on March 31 is a “final”.
The two teams are locked in an intriguing title race along with Liverpool with just 10 matches left.
Arsenal currently sit top of the table on 64 points, ahead of second-placed Liverpool on goal difference, while City are third on 63 points.
The Gunners beat Guardiola’s men on penalties to lift the Community Shield in August and also defeated City 1-0 when they met at the Emirates in October.
But Arsenal lost 4-1 at the Etihad last season and Guardiola will be hoping his side can replicate that win.
“We have a final against Arsenal.
“But for now we rest. I don’t want to think about the future – it has been such an intense period.
“With the players [going on international duty] a change of environment is good, some of them will be allowed to see their families.
“When we come back, we have three days to prepare for the game against Arsenal. Let’s go,” Guardiola said.