Arsenal expected XI as Arteta makes late Xhaka decision for Man City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to make a late call on the fitness of Granit Xhaka for the epic encounter against Manchester City tonight. Arteta could consider a formation change in an attempt to thwart City in a game that the Gunners cannot afford to lose. Express Sport looks at the XI the north Londoners are likely to field at the Etihad.

Goalkeeper – Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale was to blame for Southampton’s early opener last Friday. After the player of the match display at Anfield, the England international has had a couple of below-par performances.

There’s no question that he needs to be at his shot-stopping best this evening. Arsenal cannot afford to gift City any goals and Ramsdale must be on top form.

Defence – White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko

Arteta was tight-lipped when asked at his press conference about the potential of a change in formation. A back three is possible but sticking with the setup that has got his team this far is more likely.

That means Rob Holding keeps his place alongside Gabriel in the middle of the defence. He needs a better night than he had during the FA Cup tie in January, where he was taken off at half-time after arguably being lucky to stay on the field.

Arteta may consider picking Kieran Tierney for his defensive attributes instead of Oleksandr Zinchenko. But Zinchenko is such an important cog that he will likely play whenever fit.

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Midfield – Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka

Thomas Partey has been out of sorts the last two matches and Arsenal need him back on form as soon as possible. When he’s at his best, the Gunners are a different proposition.

Partey missed the reverse fixture which City won 3-1, so his influence on the game will be interesting. Xhaka is a doubt due to the illness that kept him out last week but he will be desperate to return and play his part in the biggest game of the season.

He got sent off at the Etihad last season but hasn’t seen red in his last 55 league matches. Martin Odegaard scored his 12th goal against Southampton but his overall impact has been lacking in recent weeks.

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Attack – Saka, Jesus, Martinelli

Gabriel Jesus missed a number of key chances on Friday after scoring in three successive matches. The Brazilian is not the most clinical striker but may have to take any opportunity he does get on his first return to the Etihad.

Bukayo Saka looks tired and that is understandable. Tonight will be his 75th Premier League match in a row.

Gabriel Martinelli has started strongly in the last three games but has dipped considerably in the second half. Perhaps tiredness is catching up with him, too.

Arsenal expected XI vs City in full: Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.

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