Man City predicted lineup vs Arsenal - Premier League

Decision time for Guardiola
Decision time for Guardiola / Visionhaus/GettyImages
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For Manchester City, it's not Do or Die just yet, but Pep Guardiola will know that victory over Arsenal on Wednesday is likely a requirement if they are to win the Premier League title.

City can go top with a victory, albeit having played a game more, but a defeat would leave Guardiola's side six points behind and give them what could be an insurmountable challenge over the remainder of the season.

Here's the lineup the City boss could go for.


Man City predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-3-3)

GK: Ederson - Stefan Ortega was in goal when City beat Arsenal in the FA Cup earlier this season, but it'll be Ederson's turn now.

RB: Rico Lewis - Does Guardiola have this much faith in young Lewis at this point? Kyle Walker could easily get this spot but Lewis was benched against Aston Villa so would offer the freshest option.

CB: Ruben Dias - Dias was removed at half-time last time out but that was because of suspension concerns, with Guardiola clearly keen to keep him available for this one.

CB: Manuel Akanji - Akanji is Guardiola's go-to in defence so he should get the responsibility for this big fixture.

LB: Nathan Ake - Ake isn't a natural left-back but you wouldn't know that by watching him. The Dutchman has been excellent.

DM: Rodri - Sensational against Villa, Rodri faces a tough battle in the midfield against Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne - There should be no surprise benching of De Bruyne for this fixture.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan - Gundogan's energy and work rate will be crucial, as will his runs from deep.

RW: Riyad Mahrez - A one-time target for Arsenal, Mahrez has been among the goals recently but had to be reminded by Guardiola that he isn't the team's penalty taker.

ST: Erling Haaland - Despite minor concerns over his fitness, Haaland has already been training with his team and he doesn't look to be struggling at all.

LW: Jack Grealish - Grealish will look to use his quick feet to try and get the better of Ben White, who isn't the fastest full-back around.


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