Mikel Arteta will recall his rested Arsenal stars to the starting lineup on Sunday, as he prepares to make six changes for their crucial game with Manchester City.
The Gunners boss gave William Saliba a rare night off in the 2-1 win over Girona in the Champions League in midweek and benched some of his regulars for the game in Catalonia.
Their focus turns to navigating a difficult test against the reigning Premier League champions, who they have only beat once in their last seven league meetings at the Emirates.
But after giving his key players a well-deserved night off, Arteta will head into the game with fresh legs as the title contenders look to close the gap on leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Man City (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: David Raya
Arteta was given a concerning snapshot over what Arsenal could expect if Raya isn’t passed fit for Sunday’s crunch clash when Neto made his debut against Girona.
With Raya not fit enough to start, the Brazilian endured a nightmare evening after making a rash decision to come off his line, with Arnaut Danjuma taking full advantage to score the opener.
The Arsenal boss provided no guarantees that his first-choice stopper will be available, saying: “It’s a muscular issue so we have to wait and see.”
But after Neto’s calamitous error, the Spaniard may be forced to gamble on Raya’s fitness – with unproven youngsters Tommy Setford and Jack Porter not ready to deputise in such a crucial game.
Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori
Saliba was rested for the midweek win over Girona, but the Frenchman is set to take his place in the starting XI, with Jakub Kiwior dropping out of the team.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is available for selection after the club’s appeal against his Wolves red card was successful.
However, the 18-year-old might drop to the bench due to the magnitude of the game and allow Calafiori another chance to cement his place in the team.
Timber will continue at right-back as Ben White remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery in November, with Arteta adding: “Ben is definitely out, hasn’t trained with us yet so is not going to be available.”
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard
Rice was the only out of Arteta’s trusted trio not to start against Girona before coming off the bench late on.
And that means the £105million midfielder is poised to get a start after being rested, with Mikel Merino the unlucky man making way.
Partey deputised at right-back in place of Timber for that game, but the Ghanaian could move back into midfield in place of Jorginho.
Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard
Trossard was deployed as a false nine in their Champions League game, but the Belgian looks set to move back onto the left to allow Havertz’s reintroduction into the team.
Teenage starlet Ethan Nwaneri scored a wonderful goal on Wednesday, but the 17-year-old’s minutes will be managed carefully after suffering a muscle injury a few weeks ago.
He could feature later on if Arsenal need a goal, but Martinelli is almost certain to regain his spot.
Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka are considered long-term absentees and will not be named in the squad.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk