Manchester City will travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal on Sunday in what will be the Premier League’s biggest clash of the weekend.
The Sky Blues bounced back from consecutive defeats to beat RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, thereby, making it two wins in two in the European tournament. They suffered a shock 2-1 loss at Wolves last weekend in the Premier League but showed great character to get the job done against RB Leipzig.
Boosted by the midweek victory, Pep Guardiola’s side will head to north London in a bid to end Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the league and maintain their top spot in the table.
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City were handed a double injury boost ahead of the Arsenal game with Bernardo Silva and John Stones recovering from their respective injuries and travelling to RB Leipzig for the Champions League fixture. That means long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) is now the only City player on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Rodri will miss the game at the Emirates Stadium as he serves the third and final game of his suspension following his red card against Nottingham Forest.
Predicted Man City lineup vs Arsenal (3-2-4-1)
Goalkeeper
Man City’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, Ederson will be hoping to shut up shop as quickly as possible at the Emirates Stadium.
Defence
In front of Ederson, City lined up in a 3-2-4-1 formation against RB Leipzig and Guardiola’s plan worked to treat. As a result, the Spanish tactician could stick to a 3-2-4-1 shape, with Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol starting in a back three in the Man City lineup.
The trio of Walker, Dias and Gvardiol have to be switched on from minute one until the last to keep a potent Arsenal attack at bay on Sunday.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Manuel Akanji could retain his place from the Leipzig game in the Man City lineup. He will then partner Mateo Kovacic, who will replace the suspended Rodri in City’s engine room. The pair will be responsible for protecting the backline and recycling possession.
Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez could operate as advanced playmakers. Foden impressed and scored the opener against Leipzig, while Alvarez came off the bench and immediately impacted by netting City’s second. If the duo get their act right and combine well, Arsenal defenders could have a tough job keeping them quiet.
Matheus Nunes and Kalvin Phillips will provide further options in central midfield.
Attack
Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish are expected to essay the roles of wide playmakers in the Man City lineup. Silva’s return from injury in midweek was a big boost and he looks primed to start, while Grealish could get the nod over an explosive Jeremy Doku given his superior work-rate. Doku in the second half might be a better option for Pep given the stadium and the stakes involved.
Leading the City attack will be none other than Erling Haaland, who will be desperate to get on the scoresheet after going goalless in the last two games.
