Arsenal are set to take on Manchester City in a mammoth clash at the Emirates, with the Gunners set to field a strong lineup.
Arsenal are eager to settle the scores from their first visit to the Etihad earlier in the season and record a win against Manchester City on Sunday. Mikel Arteta has a decent record in recent Premier League games against Pep Guardiola’s side, and Sunday’s encounter promises to be an exciting encounter.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided fitness update on his squad, while he also spoke about the impact of Kai Havertz. The Gunners boss also touched upon teenage duo Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri with regards to the impact they have had since breaking through to the first team this season.
On the injury front, David Raya is a fitness doubt for Arsenal, with Arteta stating it was a muscular problem. He did miss the midweek Champions League game. Not having him will be a big blow for the Gunners, although he is widely expected to come through his issue and start between the sticks. The manager also confirmed that Ben White is not in contention just yet.
Arteta said, “We are still a bit uncertain. We have another session tomorrow and another 48 hours, so we have to wait and see. Ben is definitely out, hasn’t trained with us yet so is not going to be available. No other news from the game against Girona.”
In terms of the selection, Arteta could make a late decision on the starting left-back, especially now that Lewis-Skelly is available. However, Riccardo Calafiori has had two brilliant games since, and Arteta could consider him starting against Manchester City. William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber will complete the back four, while Raya will be expected to start ahead of Neto.
Thomas Partey could return to his customary role at the base of the midfield, with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice on either side of him. The latter was rested for the Girona clash, and he is the player to watch for this clash against Manchester City.
Nwaneri has made a case to start against Manchester City, and Arteta might oblige by handing him the right-wing berth. Leandro Trossard will start on the left-hand side, and Gabriel Martinelli may have to settle for a place on the bench. Havertz also got a well-deserved time off the pitch against Girona, but he will lead the line for Arsenal against Manchester City.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Havertz, Trossard
