Undoubtedly the biggest game of the Premier League weekend, Arsenal welcome Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners beat La Liga side Girona 2-1 on Wednesday evening to seal automatic progress into the Champions League last 16. With continental duties done and dusted for a while now, attention turns towards domestic adventures. The North Londoners sit second in the Premier League table following their controversial 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
A victory on Sunday would be something of a statement for Mikel Arteta’s side, although they face a revitalised Man City side who have won four of their last five Premier League games and surged to fourth in the table.
Arsenal Team News
Goalkeeper David Raya missed out against Girona in midweek due to a minor injury but Arsenal are optimistic he will be fit to face Pep Guardiola’s side. The Spaniard has suffered a muscular injury and a call will taken closer to the game regarding him.
In a big boost, Arteta will have Myles Lewis-Skelly available after the red card he was shown against Wolves was rescinded earlier this week following a successful appeal.
Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus remain injured.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Manchester City (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Raya will be given every opportunity to get ready before the game. If he does, he is certain to don the gloves in the Arsenal lineup.
Defence
In front of Raya, Arteta is set to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation.
Jurrien Timber should operate at right-back in the Arsenal lineup, but there could be a change at the opposite end of the defence. Despite Lewis-Skelly being available for selection following a successful red card appeal, Arteta may go with a more experienced player in Riccardo Calafiori at left-back against Man City.
William Saliba was an unused substitute in midweek, so he should be fresh to feature in central defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. The duo must take care of Erling Haaland.
Midfield
Changes are set to take place in midfield from the Girona game. Declan Rice is likely to start after coming off the bench in the 2-1 win over Girona, partnering Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in the Gunners’ engine room.
Partey should hold the fort in midfield, providing balance and stability to the hosts. The Ghanaian’s presence will allow Rice and Odegaard to venture forward and create opportunities in the final third. If Arsenal need to pack up their midfield, Arteta could bring on Jorginho and Mikel Merino off the bench.
Attack
Leandro Trossard, who started as a false 9 against Girona, should shift to his natural position on the left flank in the Arsenal lineup, with Gabriel Martinelli hoping to enjoy a productive night off the right.
Kai Havertz is a certainty to lead the Arsenal attack.
Arsenal academy starlet Ethan Nwaneri scored a spectacular goal against Girona in his first Champions League start, and he will be an option to bring off the bench if the hosts need more teeth in the final third.
