Arsenal will travel to the Etihad on Sunday to face Premier League rivals Manchester City in what could be another high-octane contest between the title dreamers.
Mikel Arteta and his men held Atalanta to a 0-0 draw thanks to David Raya’s spectacular double save from a resultant penalty.
They await another nerve-wracking test this weekend and will be aiming to snatch all three points. The Gooners have 10 points in four games, not a 100 percent start due to the draw vs Brighton and Hove Albion before the international break.
Meanwhile, Man City are going strong once again with 12 points in four games, announcing themselves as title favourites. Arteta knows his former side very well, and it has given us an upper hand in the recent matches.
We expect minor changes in the starting XI after a lacklustre display in the Champions League. They will address their attacking woes coupled with losing possession in midfield.
HERE IS HOW ARSENAL COULD LINEUP AGAINST MANCHESTER CITY
Defence: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Maghalaes, Jurrien Timber
A defensive masterclass yet again by the Reds. We just can’t stop praising Raya for making one of his best saves at Arsenal. It wouldn’t have been a draw if the Spaniard wasn’t there in front of the nets.
The fans went crazy after watching Raya’s insane 51st minute penalty save and quickly spinning across the goal to block a resultant header from Mateo Retegui (made a similar double save vs Aston Villa).
🗣️ Mikel Arteta on David Raya’s penalty heroics:
“You NEED that from your keeper at this level.” 👏
pic.twitter.com/V9Wi3cB9vd— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) September 20, 2024
The save has further cemented his place as an undisputed starter in Arteta’s main team. Saliba and Maghalaes’s centre-back pairing is key to success against Man City.
They are ever present in defence, showing top-notch physicality, winning duels, rock-solid personalities at the back. Their attacking output through corners is a bonus.
MUST READ: Manchester City suffer injury scare ahead of Arsenal game
White will cover the right-back spot as usual; Timber has put up a clean display since returning from injury, and he will operate in the left-back position once again. Riccardo Calafiori’s wait for a spot the starting XI continues.
Midfield: Declan Rice, Jorginho, Kai Havertz
Declan Rice returns after being absent in the Brighton clash. Martin Odegaard remains sidelined, and his early return has been ruled out. Arteta will prefer Jorginho over Thomas Partey after the Ghanaian star made a number of errors against Atalanta.
Thomas Partey defending an aerial duel. 😅 pic.twitter.com/HJ9L3HI8GA
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) September 19, 2024
He lost balls casually in midfield, looked like a liability for Arteta, and was substituted after conceding a penalty. The defensive midfielder lost aerial duels cheaply and didn’t play progressive passes upfront.
Mikel Merino could have been the best fit, but his injury won’t let him make it for the Sunday game. Kai Havertz will be entrusted to work in midfield once again and inject creativity.
Attack: Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Academy graduate Saka has troubled City before, and his battle with Josko Gvardiol will be interesting to watch. Trossard will take Gabriel Jesus place, who looked rusty after coming back from injury.
MUST READ: Arsenal practice free-kick training ahead of crucial Manchester City clash
Martinelli missed a few great chances last night, with Arteta admitting that it should have been buried away. The Brazilian should prove his worth in this game or risk losing his spot to Trossard in the future.
Arsenal predicted lineup against Manchester City: David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Maghalaes, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli.
