Arsenal face Manchester City this weekend in what is perhaps the biggest match of Mikel Arteta’s managerial career.
This game could well be a title decider, and if Arsenal are going to win, Mikel Arteta needs to get his team selection spot on.
Arteta is expected to make some bold but calculated calls for Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City, and, with that in mind, we’ve had a go at predicting the Gunners’ starting XI for this one.
What do you make of our predicted XI vs Manchester City
Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Man City
David Raya is set to continue in goal, as one of Arsenal’s most important players and undisputed number one.
The defence has a slightly different look. Ben White is expected to start at right-back despite some concerns over his recent form.
Cristhian Mosquera had started at right-back in midweek, but White is likely to return here in a more natural position.
William Saliba and Gabriel remain the first-choice centre-back pairing, offering physicality and recovery pace against City’s attack. On the left, Piero Hincapie is likely to get the nod with Riccardo Calafiori a doubt.
In midfield, Martin Zubimendi is set to anchor the team. His role will be crucial in controlling transitions and helping Arsenal avoid being overrun. Ahead of him, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze will look to add some drive into a midfield that could decide the game.
The front three is where things get interesting.
Bukayo Saka is out and Noni Madueke is a doubt, so, on the right wing, Max Dowman gets a start.
As the old saying goes, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough, and at the age of just 16, Dowman could start here.
Viktor Gyokeres has been out of sorts again lately, so we expect Kai Havertz to lead the line here, while Gabriel Martinelli starts on the left wing.
Whether or not this team will be good enough to get past Man City remains to be seen, but don’t be shocked if Mikel Arteta goes for something similar here.
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