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football.london reporters select their Arsenal starting XIs for the crunch Premier League clash against Manchester City
This is Arsenal's biggest game of the season so far, as they have the chance to smash a result against their Premier League title rivals. Manchester City have all the momentum, motivation and belief, and that will prove a huge challenge.
But titles are not handed to you; they have to be won, and that is exactly what Mikel Arteta believes his side can do. Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, maintains that if they lose this game, then they kiss goodbye to their title hopes.
It will not be that simple, but it will be a monumental moment for the Gunners if they can claim a victory against all the odds. Who Arteta picks will be absolutely key, so selections need to be made with that in mind.
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football.london reporters Tom Canton and Jake Stokes have picked their starting XIs to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Tom Canton – Arsenal reporter
If there is any hope to get them fit, they play. This is a game that requires the best players to be involved.
Play through the pain, get the result and then let the others secure the points in the games where they really should win. Sadly, that seems impossible for Bukayo Saka, who Mikel Arteta confirmed will miss the game.
However, for Noni Madueke and Jurrien Timber, there remains hope of their involvement on the day. Contingencies are available if not, which sadly may be required.
Arteta says he is going into this game not even thinking for one second about a draw but there is no doubt I would take one if offered. It is so important that the Gunners do not lose this game, and that is what makes it such a dangerous affair.
Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Man City – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Havertz, Martinelli
Jake Stokes – Reporter
I reckon Mikel Arteta will go back to basics this weekend. Of course, the Arsenal boss will want to win the game, but he'll also recognise that his side only needs a point to all-but extinguish Manchester City's hopes of winning the Premier League.
That's not to say the Gunners will play for a draw. They won't. Pep Guardiola's side MUST win. They can't afford to leave the Etihad Stadium with anything less than three points, so they'll be the team that wants to control the game, launching attack after attack.
I think Arteta will use that to his advantage: soak up all the pressure and play on the counter-attack. Of course, that game plan could go out the window if they concede in the opening quarter of an hour, but, as it happens, Arsenal have THE best defensive record in the English top-flight.
So, I can see the Gunners boss playing something like a 4-4-2, or even a 4-5-1, out of possession. David Raya between the sticks, the same backline that started the Carabao Cup final, with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in the middle of the park.
On the wings, Arsenal will need runners – players who can work hard on and off the ball - with Kai Havertz in the middle and Viktor Gyokeres. I'd love to see Eberechi Eze start, but I just fear that he would get swept away, with Manchester City likely to be so gung-ho.
Stokes’ Arsenal XI vs Man City - Raya; White, Saliba, Magalhaes, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard; Gyokeres
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