08 October 2023 , 07:00
869
0
Last season's Premier League top two will face off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Arsenal chasing a first league victory over Manchester City since the Arsene Wenger era.
City sat top of the table going into this weekend's matches, but Tottenham moved above them with their victory at Luton on Saturday lunchtime. A win for City would see them return to the summit ahead of the international break, while a two-goal win for Arsenal would send the Gunners top.
Both teams will be missing senior stars for the clash, with Rodri suspended for City and Jurrien Timber a long-term injury victim for Arsenal. Other big names are touch-and-go as far as their fitness is concerned, and Mirror Football has predicted how the two sides might line up.
Goalkeeper and defence
David Raya appears to have won the battle for a starting spot at Arsenal, at least for the time being, despite questions over the Spaniard during the midweek loss at Lens. In the opposite goal, Ederson hasn't missed a minute in the league this season and that looks unlikely to change.
Arsenal's recent matches have seen them return to the back four which served them well last season. Despite the potential return of Thomas Partey, who filled in at right-back earlier in the campaign, Ben White should continue in his usual position with William Saliba, Gabriel and Oleksandr Zinchenko completing the back four.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Who should start for Arsenal and Manchester City? Have your say in the comments section
Josko Gvardiol could be in line for a league recall (Jan Woitas/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)For City, Pep Guardiola is expected to make one change from the back four from the defeat at Wolves. That means Josko Gvardiol replacing Nathan Ake on the left, while Kyle Walker should continue at right-back with Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias in the middle, with John Stones not yet ready to return after injury.
Midfield
With Rodri suspended, Mateo Kovacic came in for the Wolves game. The Croatia international is expected to continue in the role, with Kalvin Phillips staying among the substitutes.
Pep Guardiola has shown a willingness to trust Rico Lewis in unlikely circumstances, including run-outs against Chelsea and Spurs last season. The versatile teenager started against RB Leipzig in the Champions League in midweek and another start could be incoming, with trusted Guardiola soldier Bernardo Silva rounding out the midfield.
Thomas Partey is available again for Arsenal (Matt Impey/REX/Shutterstock)Arsenal are likely to persist with two members of the midfield three who started in Lens, with Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard keeping their place. With Partey now fit again, though, the Ghanaian could come in for Kai Havertz to make for a more conservative set-up.
Forwards
City star Phil Foden has hinted at a desire to play as a number 10, and the fluidity of City's attack means he could find himself in that position at times. Guardiola has plenty of options available to him, but Foden is primed to get the nod after a midweek goal in Germany.
With Erling Haaland almost certain to lead the line, the remaining spot will go to one of a handful of men. Julian Alvarez looks the most likely, though, with Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku both options from the bench.
Bukayo Saka is an injury doubt (JEAN CATUFFE/DPPI/REX/Shutterstock)Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli after recent injuries. Manager Mikel Arteta hasn't officially ruled out Saka, but the Englishman's early exit in midweek doesn't bode well.
If both men are missing, as may well be the case, Arteta's options would be limited. It would at least mean it doesn't have to be either-or as far as Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus are confirmed, with both men free to start in a front three with Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Jesus, Trossard, Nketiah. Man City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic; Silva, Lewis, Foden; Alvarez, Haaland
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster