Mikel Arteta makes two changes, ‘underrated’ 25-year-old keeps his place: Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Man City

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Following their disappointing loss in France, Mikel Arteta now has some key decisions to make before Arsenal face Manchester City on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side arrive in North London for what will prove to be an early indication of Arsenal’s title chances.

And with that considered, Arsenal Insider are predicting that Mikel Arteta will make two key changes to the side that lost to Lens last night.

We think Ben White will be restored to the XI alongside Thomas Partey who has just returned from injury.

Of course, that would mean that both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kai Havertz would drop out of the side.

Whilst almost all Arsenal fans will expect ‘underrated’ White to return to the fold, Partey’s start may be a surprise.

The Ghanaian was restricted to appearances at right-back before his untimely injury – something that may now change.

A back four that held up to many tests last season has now been restored once again.

And whilst Arteta will want to spring a surprise against City, that’s unlikely to be with his Arsenal defence.

Arteta may choose to drop Havertz when Arsenal host City

Havertz could be considered unlucky to lose his spot, but Declan Rice shifting further up field will add more defensive cover.

Elsewhere, it would seem unlikely that Arteta would drop David Raya despite a troubling pass at Lens last night.

Aaron Ramsdale appears to be a definite number two right now.

There is perhaps a chance that Gabriel Magalhaes could be replaced, the Arsenal boss was keen to try White centrally alongside William Saliba in the early weeks.

But Arteta will surely choose familiarity for Arsenal as they look to end a terrible Premier League run against City.

Of course, the last big doubts arrive on the wings for The Gunners.

Bukayo Saka has picked up another knock, but we do think he’ll end up starting the game.

Leandro Trossard may lose his spot after a frustrating evening in France, but similarly we think he’ll keep his start.

If either were to miss out, it would likely be Eddie Nketiah to come in with Gabriel Jesus shifting out wide.

Arsenal Insider’s predicted XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Trossard.