Neither Mikel Arteta nor Pep Guardiola need telling how important Sunday’s Etihad showdown could be.
Table-topping Arsenal travel to Manchester City for a game that could be decisive in the race for the Premier League crown. The Gunners currently have a one-point advantage over the holders.
While each side will be doing their utmost to earn victory, Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on the result as they too attempt to take advantage. With such a high-stakes game, there is plenty of thinking for both Guardiola and Arteta to do.
Both teams have however been bitten by injury problems during the international break. With that being said, Mirror Football takes a look at each side that could take to the pitch:
Man City
Man City were handed a big blow before the international break, with Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson coming off in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool. He should be fit enough to return against Arsenal.
There is some more good news when it comes to Manuel Akanji. The Swiss defender picked up an issue during the international break but should be fine to play according to Guardiola.
In slightly more worrying news, John Stones and Kyle Walker are ruled out after succumbing to problems on international duty with England. The latter will likely be replaced by Rico Lewis, while the former will see Ruben Dias play in his role. The City defence will likely be rounded off by Nathan
Guardiola’s injury worries continue into the heart of midfield. Fortunately, Rodri is fit and remains one of the first names on the teamsheet.
He should be joined by Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who has been passed fit despite missing international duty with Belgium. De Bruyne looks highly likely to be joined by Portuguese livewire Bernardo Silva.
Moving into attack, City’s frontline should have a very familiar look to it. Phil Foden has been in scintillating form for the title holders this term and should start - whether that be centrally or on the wing.
He will be supported by Argentine forward Julian Alvarez. The City striker has not scored in the Premier League since late January so will be looking to end his barren spell.
The final name on the Man City teamsheet has to be the Premier League’s top goalscorer Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has scored 18 league goals this season.
Probable Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Ake; Rodri; De Bruyne, Silva; Foden, Haaland, Alvarez.
Arsenal
Moving to North London and Arteta’s side have been hit with their own problems during the international break. Aaron Ramsdale started last time out against Brentford but David Raya should return between the sticks.
Ben White should retain his place at right-back. He turned down a call-up into the England squad so should be fresh enough to start.
Regular centre-back partnership Gabriel and William Saliba should also be fit enough to play. Former Man City star Oleksandr Zinchenko remains an option to play at left-back but Jakub Kiwior looks more likely to start.
The midfield should also look the same for the Gunners. Declan Rice has proven to be an inspired signing and will be a crucial player at the Etihad so unless something drastic happens, he will be at the heart of things.
Jorginho has also been in excellent form recently so looks sure to partner Rice. The midfield talents don’t quite end there for Arsenal.
Captain Martin Odegaard has been key this term and his creativity could potentially be crucial again for the current table toppers. There might be a few more questions to answer slightly further forwards.
Brazilian wideman Gabriel Martinelli is a major doubt after picking up an issue before the international break. Leandro Trossard appears the most likely to be replacing him.
There is also a doubt on the other side. Star man Bukayo Saka was forced out of Three Lions duty but just through precaution so should be fit to play against Man City. Finally, Kai Havertz has been in electric form both for club and his international side so will likely be given the nod ahead of former City forward Gabriel Jesus.
Probable Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba, Kiwior; Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
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