Arsenal have a few doubts in their squad, with Gabriel Martinelli unlikely to start, but Gabriel Jesus could be an option.
Arsenal will travel to the Etihad on Sunday to take on Manchester City in a titanic clash of Premier League giants, and Mikel Arteta will aim for a statement result at the Etihad. The Gunners have already beaten Pep Guardiola’s side twice this season and will eye a third scalp; this one might prove the most important one in the context of the season.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta answered many questions surrounding his relationship with Guardiola and talked about the importance of the game. He also provided a brief update on those players who are doubtful while also stating the importance of Kai Havertz on his side.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Gabriel Martinelli have all been missing from training pictures and have also withdrawn from their international camp a fortnight earlier. Barring Martinelli, the other two are considered contenders to start the game at the Etihad, although there’s still some hope with the winger either from the start or the bench.
On the trio, Arteta said, “There is a chance. They haven’t trained but tomorrow we have another session so there is a chance that they can be available.”
The Gunners’ boss also reiterated the importance of this game and said, “It’s a massive game for both teams, that’s for sure, because it will give us a huge push again if we go there and win it, but I still feel there is a long, long way after to make all the ground to win it.”
To round off the press conference, Arteta also glowingly spoke about Kai Havertz and his influence. “He’s been in great form. His overall performances have been really complete both for his country and us, and then his goalscoring threat obviously. It’s a player who has been playing different positions and fulfilling those roles in a great way. We will see how we use him for this game.”
Beyond the doubtful trio of Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal do not have any fresh concerns ahead of this trip. Jurrien Timber remains some way from returning to action, but that would be it for the Gunners.
In terms of team selection, there are still mixed messages about Gabriel Magalhaes’s potential availability. The defender might end up starting at the back, while Jakub Kiwior is expected to remain in that left-back slot. Ben White and William Saliba will complete the backline, with David Raya in goal.
Jorginho and Declan Rice might continue in their central midfield roles, with the latter playing in the advanced eight role from the left. Martin Odegaard holds the key to Arsenal’s attacking game from the right side of the midfield three.
Saka will start on the right wing, with Gabriel Jesus being an option for Arteta to consider in order to play in place of Martinelli on the left. Kai Havertz will continue to lead the line for Arsenal. The Spaniard will also rely on plenty of his options from the bench, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Leandro Trossard, Thomas Partey, and Oleksandr Zinchenko all available.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Jesus
