When Arsenal travels to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on April 26, Martin Odegaard will meet with fellow countryman Erling Haaland.

The outcome is expected to have significant effects on both teams' chances of winning the championship, making it the season's most important game.

Although their opponents have played two fewer games than Arsenal, the Gunners' substantial lead at the top of the table has been reduced to only seven points, making a loss more detrimental overall.

The last time the Gunners won at the Etihad in the Premier League was in December 2015. Manchester City has already beaten them twice this season - once in the FA Cup and in the reverse fixture at the Emirates.

The two main protagonists for the Wednesday clash will be Odegaard and Haaland, who have been exemplary this season. The two are good friends but will have to put that aside for 90 minutes when they meet.

Odegaard's first impression of Haaland

But before their friendship blossomed, Odegaard's first impression of Haaland was a negative one. The two first met in 2018 when they were both called up to represent Norway in U-21 competitions.

"You were more like a little (expletive) in the beginning. You were so childish. You have grown up more in the last couple of years. But you saw it in the first (international) camp, in the videos when you dance and sing.

It looks like you are 12 years old and the biggest little (expletive). Honestly," as quoted by the Mirror.

Odegaard was making these comments during Haaland's documentary 'The Big Decision', where he talked about a couple of things, including his decision to join Manchester City.

The Arsenal skipper also explained how he grew to like Haaland by understanding what his antics meant.

"I don’t think he does things because he thinks they are really cool. But maybe he wants to get a reaction and maybe be a little funny. I just laugh at him. I do not take it seriously when he does crazy things."

Haaland has 32 goals in the Premier League, he needs one more to break Mohamed Salah's record of most goals in a single season. Odegaard, meanwhile, has chipped in with 12 goals and 7 assists.

Rooney tips Haaland to win Ballon d'Or

It was also reported that Wayne Rooney has thrown his weight behind Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or award ahead of Lionel Messi.