Arsenal face Manchester City in today’s much-anticipated Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners have picked up 10 points from their opening four games and they are currently two points behind the Cityzens.
The club have not beaten City at the Etihad Stadium since 2015, but can make a statement with a win to claim the top position.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been in exemplary form between the sticks. He made a stellar double penalty save in midweek to help the Gunners pick up a point against Atalanta in the Champions League. The Spaniard is a nailed-on starter in goal.
In front of him, it should be a familiar-looking backline. Ben White and Jurrien Timber are expected to start in the right and left-back positions with William Saliba partnering Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the defence once more.
There could be a change in midfield based on Mikel Arteta’s early substitution of Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian was guilty of losing cheap possession in Bergamo on Thursday night and he also conceded a penalty in the game.
We anticipate Jorginho to return in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. Further forward, Bukayo Saka is a guaranteed starter from the right wing, but there could be a change on the opposite flank with Gabriel Martinelli’s finishing woes.
How Arsenal could line up vs Man City
Martinelli missed a clear-cut chance in the north London derby and he squandered another two scoring opportunities against Atalanta. He could be axed from the starting line-up with Leandro Trossard taking up the left wing position today.
Gabriel Jesus looks likely to continue as the main striker to compensate for Havertz in midfield. The Brazilian is the only other recognised centre-forward in the role after the departure of Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace this summer.
Jesus was not at his regular best during his first start of the campaign in midweek, but he managed to create three key chances. The Brazilian looks the club’s best option up front with his pace and dribbling skills on the counter-attack.
