Arsenal team news: Expected XI vs Man City as Mikel Arteta forced to make defensive change

Arteta admits there are 'still some things' for Arsenal to do in window

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Arsenal will be hoping to build on their 6-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion in midweek with a positive showing against Manchester City on Saturday. The Gunners have failed to take a single point from their first two Premier League matches and will face another tough test against Pep Guardiola’s side, who hit five to beat Norwich City in their last outing.

Express Sport takes a look at the Arsenal side that Mikel Arteta could deploy against City at the Etihad Stadium.

Goalkeeper – Leno

Aaron Ramsdale enjoyed an excellent debut against West Brom on Wednesday, with the 23-year-old keeping a clean sheet and catching the eye with his distribution from the very back.

However, Bernd Leno is likely to come back into the Arsenal side for the trip to Manchester.

The German stopper is expected to continue in his role as the club’s first-choice option between the sticks for the foreseeable future.

Ramsdale’s next opportunity to impress could arrive when the Gunners face AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the Carabao Cup next month.

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Defence – Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney

The main absentee at the back for Arsenal will be Ben White, who is unavailable for selection after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.

Gabriel Magalhaes is also out of action as he continues to recover from a knee injury, meaning that a centre-back pairing of Rob Holding and Pablo Mari is likely to feature against City.

Cedric Soares is likely to replace Calum Chambers from midweek at right-back, while Kieran Tierney should occupy his usual spot on the opposite flank.

The Scot endured an off day against Chelsea last weekend but remains one of his side’s most important assets and will be hoping to deliver against the Premier League champions on Saturday.

Midfield – Xhaka, Lokonga, Odegaard

Arteta could decide to hand Martin Odegaard his second Premier League debut for Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

The Norwegian playmaker dictated proceedings against West Brom in the Carabao Cup and was rewarded with a fine assist for Bukayo Saka’s goal in the second half.

He will feature from the off if he is deemed fit enough to start two matches in four days, while Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga are primed to reprise their roles in the middle of the park.

The latter has been one of Arsenal’s few bright sparks this season after joining the club from Anderlecht earlier this summer.

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Attack – Saka, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang

Saka could be handed a starting role on the right-hand side for Arsenal against City despite the 19-year-old’s gripe with a minor knee problem.

He is in contention to feature ahead of Nicolas Pepe, who played the entire 90 minutes at The Hawthorns in midweek.

Emile Smith Rowe could occupy the left wing, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be expected to lead the line after returning to full fitness.

The Gabon international missed the opening-day defeat at Brentford after a positive Covid test and came off the bench against Chelsea, but he could be poised to return from the first whistle on Saturday.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Man City (4-2-3-1): Leno; Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney; Xhaka, Lokonga; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang.

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