Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team pictured strolling around Manchester ahead of EPL clash with Guardiola's side (Photos)

Prior to tonight's critical Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team seemed relaxed as they strolled around the streets of Manchester.

The Gunners have been under more pressure lately after missing points in three straight games against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton.

They will now meet Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in a match that might play a significant role in determining who wins the championship this season.

Arteta will be hoping his team can maintain composure with such a crucial game only hours away, and the group seemed to be attempting to distract themselves by going for a stroll around the city.

Granit Xhaka is one player who has been questioned after missing Friday's match with Southampton due to sickness, but he was there with the rest of the team and seemed happy, indicating that he could be fit to play at the Etihad.

After getting criticism for their previous performances, Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko, two of Arsenal's more seasoned players, seemed focused.

Partey struggled during Arsenal's goalless draw with West Ham earlier this month, and he didn't fare much better against Southampton last week. Zinchenko also sparked controversy by calling a team meeting while the club trailed the Saints 2-0. The Ukrainian will be eager to play his best tonight against his old team.

Bukayo Saka was seen strolling with Carlos Cuesta, one of Arteta's helpers, as Gunners supporters hope the winger will spur them to a historic victory tonight.

Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, other academy alumni, were also beaming.