This weekend could have huge ramifications for the Premier League title race come the end of the season, with reigning champions Manchester City hosting last term’s runners-up Arsenal.
Both league meetings between the titans were hard fought last season, with nothing separating the pair at the Etihad. However, if Man City can shade another fierce battle this Sunday afternoon, they will move themselves five points clear of the Gunners after just five matches.
Kevin De Bruyne’s likely absence won’t help Pep Guardiola, who has some tough decisions to make regarding his starting lineup, but few managers boast such a deep, rich and exceptionally-gifted squad as the frantic Spaniard.
Here is how Man City could line up for Arsenal’s visit.
Man City predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Ederson – While not as busy as his counterpart Yann Sommer on Wednesday evening, Ederson was kept honest by an Inter side that really should have tested him more thoroughly. He will have to be similarly vigilant against Arsenal.
RB: Kyle Walker – Rico Lewis has been a mainstay for Man City in the opening weeks of the season but Guardiola may call on his most experienced head at the weekend – and no, we don’t mean Scott Carson. Up against some dazzling wingers, including old teammate Raheem Sterling, Walker may be the smart choice.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Man City have been far from flawless defensively in the opening weeks of the season but Akanji has been a steady 7/10 performer every week. The Swiss defender will be tested by Kai Havertz or former City striker Gabriel Jesus.
CB: Ruben Dias – John Stones replaced Dias against Brentford last weekend and put in a ropey display, with the Portuguese centre-back certain to return on Sunday. He played midweek and earned himself another clean sheet.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – With Man City looking surprisingly open in the first half against Brentford, Guardiola turned to Gvardiol to solidify things from the bench. The left-back did exactly that, proceeding to shut Inter out midweek.
DM: Rodri – Unsurprisingly, Rodri was Man City’s best performer in the goalless draw with Inter. When isn’t he, though? The battle between the Euro 2024 winner and £105m Declan Rice will be a joy to watch.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – After picking up a minor injury against Brentford, Kovacic was an unused substitute on Wednesday. However, given Arsenal’s attacking quality, he could provide some extra support to Rodri in a two-man pivot.
RW: Phil Foden – It’s been a difficult start to the season for Foden, who has struggled with illness since Euro 2024. He impressed off the bench against Inter and could be unleashed from the start against Arsenal.
AM: Bernardo Silva – Given Silva’s tendency to produce on the grandest stage and in the most pivotal moments, you would be foolish to bet against the Portuguese making a big splash on Sunday. His movement will certainly keep Rice and Thomas Partey entertained.
LW: Jack Grealish – Jeremy Doku will be desperate to start up against Ben White at the Etihad but Grealish has been favoured by Guardiola in recent weeks. He’s yet to register a goal contribution for his club this term, though.
ST: Erling Haaland – With a freakish nine goals in his opening four Premier League matches, Haaland narrowly missed out on the opportunity to score three straight hat-tricks last weekend. While a three-goal haul seems unlikely up against Arsenal’s stubborn backline, he will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet.
