1 hour ago
23
Arsenal travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday as they seek to remain in control of the title race
Arsenal are now gearing up for the match that could shape and define their season: Manchester City away.
The Gunners are sweating on the availability of several key players and their progress will ultimately shape Mikel Arteta's starting XI.
Nonetheless, there will be changes against City following the midweek Champions League draw against Sporting CP.
Given Arsenal kept a clean sheet, there feels like no real need to change the defence as Cristhian Mosquera performed well at right-back.
Ben White could definitely return in place of the Spaniard but Mosquera is a sturdy operator and could be tasked with nullifying Jeremy Doku.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
However, if Jurrien Timber is declared fit, he will likely start ahead of both players as Arsenal have really missed the Dutchman.
In midfield, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze should all keep their place in the starting XI, even if Martin Odegaard is back available.
Then in attack, Leandro Trossard could well come in ahead of Gabriel Martinelli while Kai Havertz is also pushed to start over Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede did not perform well against Sporting in either leg and was substituted on Wednesday night after 56 minutes.
On the right flank, Bukayo Saka is a shoo-in if he can get himself available but that currently looks like an uphill task.
The 24-year-old has been struggling with an Achilles issue and has yet to overcome the problem, although there is still time before Sunday's contest.
There has been positive news on Noni Madueke, however, as the winger was forced off following a blow to the knee against Sporting CP.
Initial checks have been positive and while Madueke needs to undergo further tests, he has a good chance of making the Arsenal squad against City.
If Saka isn't fit and Madueke is, Madueke will be in line to start on the right flank at the Etihad Stadium.
Max Dowman could yet play a part from the bench just as he did against Sporting but it seems unlikely he will be considered for his first Premier League start in a game of this magnitude.
Arsenal changes for Man City (providing Timber and Saka are fit): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Trossard, Havertz.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Ryan Taylor
Ryan Taylor is a London-based Football Reporter who has worked across Reach's National titles since 2018. After graduating from the University of Brighton with a Sports Journalism degree, he previously climbed the ranks of the Daily Express, where he also covered boxing, before joining the Sunday Mirror as a Football Reporter in 2023. Ryan has developed a strong track record for breaking news on the London football beat.
Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
English (US) ·