Following a morale-boosting win against Arsenal in the weekend, Manchester City will once again meet the Gunners this week as they travel to the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.
Pep Guardiola’s side registered their first silverware of this season when they smashed a hapless Arsenal 3:0 to win the Carabao Cup. The Sky Blues are currently leading the Premier League table by a whopping 16 point lead over second placed Manchester United and a win this week could further solidify their position at the top of the charts.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will be desperate to get back to winning ways, following the defeats against Tottenham, Swansea City and Manchester City this year. Although the Gunners are very comfortable sitting in the sixth position in the league table, Arsene Wenger’s men certainly can’t afford another humiliation against the runaway Premier League leaders this week.
Here’s the predicted Manchester City lineup to face the Gunners.
Defence
First choice keeper Ederson will be back in the starting lineup after Bravo was selected in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. The Brazilian has been one of Premier League’s best keepers this season and his form will be vital as the hosts look to preserve their clean sheet against the Gunners tomorrow.
Nicolas Otamendi will retain his place in the starting lineup. The Argentine has been an absolute rock at the back for Man City this season. He will be partnered by Aymeric Laporte, who will be called back into the starting lineup with club captain Vincent Kompany expected to be given a rest.
Kyle Walker will once again start at right-back.
Elsewhere, Fabian Delph will serve the second match of his 3-game suspension. And Pep might keep faith in Danilo again.
Midfield
Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho will miss the clash due to injury, meaning Ilkay Gundogan could start as the central defensive midfielder.
The former Borussia Dortmund player will be partnered by Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva in midfield. The Belgian, in particular, has been one of the best players in the league this season and his presence in the starting lineup could be a massive boost for the visitors.
Attack
Manchester City’s attack might see a change tomorrow. Gabriel Jesus is back from his long injury lay-off and might replace Aguero in the lineup with the Chelsea clash looming large.
He’ll be supported by Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane on the flanks with England International Raheem Sterling ruled out of the clash.