ไทย
English
中國人
Arsenal's Premier League title hopes could rest on the result of a potential championship showdown against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday.
One of the most anticipated fixtures in recent Premier League memory, the clash in Manchester will have a massive bearing on where the title ends up. A win would put Arsenal nine points clear at the top, while a loss would see City close to within three points with a game in hand.
Mikel Arteta must select the ideal starting eleven to counter the in-form hosts, with crucial decisions to be made throughout the squad following a series of injuries in recent weeks.
Bukayo Saka Missing for Critical Clash
The devastating news for Arsenal is that Bukayo Saka will be absent on Sunday, as the Englishman continues to battle an Achilles injury. The Gunners have sorely missed his courage, dynamism and creativity during a recent goal-scoring drought.
There are also concerns over his replacement Noni Madueke, who was substituted with a knock during Arsenal's midweek draw against Sporting CP in the Champions League, though Arteta remains optimistic about his fitness ahead of the Etihad trip.
Jurriën Timber, Martin Ødegaard and Riccardo Calafiori have all been sidelined in recent games, but Arteta has suggested at least some of the three could return this weekend. Mikel Merino, however, will remain unavailable as he continues recovering from foot surgery.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Man City (4-2-3-1)
GK: David Raya—Raya has built a reputation for outstanding saves this season, and several more may be needed to contain an increasingly dangerous City attack.
RB: Cristhian Mosquera—With Timber sidelined and Ben White's form wavering, Mosquera looks set to take on the tough task of dealing with Jérémy Doku.
CB: William Saliba—A clean sheet on Sunday would put Arsenal firmly in the title race. Saliba is vital to keeping Erling Haaland and company quiet at the Etihad.
CB: Gabriel—Gabriel will once again go head-to-head with Haaland in a battle that could go either way. The Brazilian will also be a significant threat from set pieces at the opposite end.
LB: Piero Hincapié—Hincapié struggled to contain Antoine Semenyo in the Carabao Cup final defeat, but will be looking to apply those lessons when dealing with the Ghanaian winger.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—Following criticism of his recent form, Zubimendi bounced back with a standout, Man of the Match performance in the goalless draw with Sporting. An even sterner test awaits against Rayan Cherki, Bernardo Silva and fellow Spaniard Rodri this weekend.
CM: Declan Rice—Rice overcame an injury scare to help Arsenal reach the Champions League semifinals in midweek. Another high-energy showing from the Englishman will be essential on Sunday.
RW: Noni Madueke—If Madueke is anywhere near fit, he looks likely to start at the Etihad. Max Dowman is the only other realistic option, though Arteta will be hesitant to hand the youngster a start despite his impressive potential.
AM: Eberechi Eze—Eze has produced some memorable moments for both Crystal Palace and Arsenal throughout his career. Arteta will be counting on another impactful display from his summer signing.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—Both Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have struggled to make an impression in recent weeks, but the Brazilian's pace will be a key asset on the break this weekend.
ST: Kai Havertz—Viktor Gyökeres struggled once again in midweek, and his questionable ball-holding ability opens the door for Havertz to step up as the No.9. The German's technical quality could help relieve pressure against City.