Arsenal predicted line-up vs Man City: Bukayo Saka injury latest as Mikel Arteta makes two changes

Two powerhouses of English football collide this weekend in a potential title decider as Arsenal play host to Manchester City.

The Gunners are chasing their first league title in over 20 years, in a run which stretches all the way back to their invincible season in 2003/04. They have been hugely consistent over the last few campaigns, finishing second in all of the last three seasons but have just lacked that bit of quality to finally get themselves over the line.

Mikel Arteta’s side have started the season exceptionally well, winning four of their opening five matches across all competitions while notably keeping clean sheets in each of those victories. However, they fell to a 1-0 defeat against reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield and know that they can’t afford many more slip-ups over the course of the campaign, particularly against teams around them in the table.

Both Arsenal and Manchester City were in Champions League action in mid-week and got off to winning starts. The Gunners ran out 2-0 winners away in Bilbao while City came out on top against Napoli by the same scoreline, in what was ultimately an anticlimactic homecoming for club legend Kevin de Bruyne. The capital side played two days earlier than City and should enter the game fresher after the extra recovery time, but will Arteta look to shuffle the pack or stick with a similar team to the one that beat Nottingham Forest?

Will Bukayo Saka play against Man City?

Bukayo Saka hasn’t featured since a 5-0 victory against Leeds United in matchday two. However, Noni Madueke has stepped up brilliantly in his absence and endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful, who originally questioned his arrival, with a string of stellar performances.

Saka is expected to be out for the game against Manchester City, with Arteta telling the media that “there are still quite a lot of things to go through,” adding that “it’s very early to understand when and which week he’s going to be available - but he will certainly be pushing to be available as quickly as possible."

Elsewhere, Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard was subbed off during the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest after appearing to aggravate a shoulder injury which had already troubled him this season. He didn’t travel to the game in Spain and is a huge doubt heading into the clash with Manchester City, although Arteta had previously claimed the midfielder had a chance of playing Tuesday. He’s someone that could undergo a late fitness test ahead of kick-off.

Arsenal predicted line-up vs Man City

Arsenal are expected to keep David Raya between the posts. He’s been consistent as ever and has kept four clean sheets in five outings. At centre-back William Saliba was an unused substitute in Spain, but is expected to get the nod ahead of Cristhian Mosquera despite the Spaniard's impressive form. He’ll resume his partnership with Gabriel while it’s likely that Jurrien Timber and Richardo Calafiori will start at full-back. The Italian notably scored a screamer against the Sky Blues at the Etihad last season.

Martin Zumbimendi is expected to start in the middle of the park, following his brace against Nottingham Forest. He’ll likely play alongside Declan Rice with Mikel Merino also playing in a midfield trio. Ahead of them in attack, Eberechi Eze is likely to start on the left-wing alongside fellow summer signings Victor Gyokeres and Madueke. Gabriel Martinelli, who scored in mid-week and who has an impressive record in this fixture is likely to feature at some stage from the bench.

Full Arsenal predicted XI: Raya, Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, Rice, Merino, Zubimendi, Eze, Gyokeres, Madueke

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