Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Man City, Jesus starts
Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium for today’s hugely anticipated Premier League clash against Manchester City.
The Gunners are currently on a stunning eight-match winning streak in the top-flight which sees them top of the table.
However, they face a huge test of their title credentials at the Etihad where they have not won since January 2015.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has some injury doubts. Here is how Arsenal could line up.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been Arsenal’s undisputed choice in goal for most of the campaign. He was brilliant against Porto last time around.
The Spaniard made a fantastic save in normal time before saving two penalties in the shoot-out win. He is expected to start between the sticks.
In front of him, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior should be nailed-on starters from the right and left-back positions once more.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is finding his feet after his injury. Kiwior gets our nod on current form and better defensive concentration.
William Saliba should be reunited with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the defence.
Gabriel pulled out of international duty with a swollen Achilles issue, but given his high pain threshold, we expect him to be back.
In the centre of the park, Jorginho should be accompanied by Declan Rice once more with Martin Odegaard playing in front.
Mikel Arteta will want the defensive assurance of Jorginho and Rice. The duo worked effectively against the Liverpool midfield in February.
In the final third, Kai Havertz should be guaranteed the number nine role, having scored in each of his previous four league appearances.
Bukayo Saka has a terrific fitness record and we anticipate him to shake up his minor hamstring injury to start from the right wing.
On the left flank, it could be Gabriel Jesus over Leandro Trossard despite the latter scoring a vital goal in the Champions League win over Porto.
Jesus has the pace, dribbling skills and should be familiar with the playing style of City, having played for them for several seasons in the past.
Gabriel Martinelli looks doubtful, having yet to train after a cut on his left foot. We won’t be surprised if he makes the bench just like in the reverse fixture.
The Brazilian came off the bench to score a late 86th minute winner over the Cityzens. It was the club’s first league win over City in 13 attempts.
How Arsenal could line up vs Man City
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
