Arsenal predicted XI for Man City clash as Arteta gambles with trio set to start

Mikel Arteta previews Arsenal's clash with Man City

Arsenal head into their Premier League clash with Manchester City with fitness concerns surrounding three key players and head coach Mikel Arteta may be forced to take a risk if he is to beat his mentor Pep Guardiola. Off the back of a nightmare trip to France in midweek following their 2-1 defeat to RC Lens, the Spaniard must navigate a tricky tie against the Premier League champions to protect their unbeaten record, and Express Sport looks how the Gunners could line up on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

Goalkeeper – David Raya

The continued selection of the Spaniard is proving to be a divisive issue amongst Arsenal fans, with Arteta appearing to favour Raya’s quick feet over Ramsdale’s safe hands in between the sticks. And it looks as if the on-loan Brentford stopper will get the nod again for their vital clash against City.

The Spaniard has kept three clean sheets in his five appearances for the Gunners so far, although questions were raised about his performance in the 2-1 defeat against RC Lens. Raya looks set to continue in goal again, with Ramsdale watching on from the bench, but the pressure will be on the goalkeeper to produce after Arteta’s decision to drop Ramsdale.

READ MORE Arsenal poised for Bukayo Saka return as Gareth Southgate drops England hint[TEAM NEWS]

Defenders – Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Oleksandr Zinchenko,

Arteta is unlikely to be moved from his back four despite some defensive concerns against Lens, with Ben White taking up his role at right-back and Saliba continuing his partnership with Brazilian centre-back Gabriel.

Zinchenko will venture in-field in his hybrid role as a left-back/centre midfielder to provide support in possession, and that could require from defensive support from the left winger playing ahead of him. With Jurrien Timber still out and Takehiro Tomiyasu taking his place on the bench, Arteta won’t be making any changes at the back unless he is forced to.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

DON’T MISS
Arsenal get big Man City boost as Guardiola issues injury update on John Stones[LATEST]
Ivan Toney backed to be ‘better than Ian Wright’ if Arsenal complete transfer[REACTION]
Arsenal ‘reignite interest’ in Pedro Neto who is the perfect fit for the Gunners[GOSSIP]

Midfielders – Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard

Arteta could hand Partey his first start since early September after a long spell out with a thigh problem. Partey has returned to full training and the Ghanaian’s presence in the midfield will be crucial in stifling City’s creative quartet of Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.

The 40-year-old coach has seemingly confirmed Rice will start after praising the £105million signing’s integration into his new team: “I am extremely pleased with Declan,” he told reporters on Friday: “He can occupy different positions but I think he has been really really good as a holding midfielder. And, yes, he has the qualities, the presence, the communication and the understanding to be a top, top player for us in that position.”

With captain Odegaard taking up the final slot in the No 8 role in midfield, Kai Havertz looks set to start from the bench after opening his club account last time out against Bournemouth. Jorginho will be on the bench once more.

Forwards – Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus.

Arteta had revealed Saka was ‘in contention’ to play against City despite picking up an injury for the third consecutive game in midweek, with the 22-year-old suffering from recent knocks and muscle fatigue.

But the winger is a vital cog in the Gunners’ side and if he is close to full fitness, he may be risked in an enticing battle with Josko Gvardiol. If he fails to prove his fitness in time, Leandro Trossard is the natural choice to come in, with Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson also available.

Up front, Eddie Nketiah will keep his place as the central striker and Jesus – up against his former team – will try to get the better of Kyle Walker from the left flank.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Man City (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Jesus.

Arsenal’s new kit for 2023/2024 is a stylish twist on a classic as it reinvents that mid-1990s vibe. A truly modern-looking shirt with a homage to the past, the Nike kit also includes a nod to the club’s iconic Invincible’s side in the finer details while catching the eye with the lightning bolt motif

Source: Read Full Article