Man City predicted lineup vs Arsenal - Premier League
- Man City know a defeat at the weekend will see Arsenal leapfrog them in the league table
- The Cityzens beat RB Leipzig 3-1 midweek to put two poor defeats behind them
- Pep Guardiola could welcome John Stones back but is still missing Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne
The unthinkable happened to Manchester City last Saturday; they lost a game in the Premier League.
In typical Man City fashion, it wasn't at the hands of Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester United. No, they were somehow defeated by Gary O'Neil's Wolverhampton Wanderers. Pep Guardiola's side put in an uncharacteristically mediocre performance, losing their perfect Premier League record as a result.
However, the Cityzens bounced back with a hard-fought 3-1 victory against RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening, rebuilding confidence ahead of one of their favourite fixtures. Man City have won a staggering 12 Premier League matches with Arsenal in a row, having last tasted a league defeat to the Gunners way back in 2015. The champions will be licking their lips ahead of their trip to the Emirates Stadium this Sunday.
But with Rodri still suspended, Kevin De Bruyne injured and John Stones not match fit, how could Man City line up against Arsenal?
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Ederson - The Brazilian was a spectator against Leipzig, with his only action of the game to pick the ball out of his own net in the second half. Should be busier at the Emirates.
RB: Kyle Walker - The defender has started every Premier League game for the Cityzens this season after signing a new contract until 2026. His pace could be crucial down the right flank.
CB: Ruben Dias - Shook off his own goal against Wolves when playing in Germany, putting in a solid performance despite being tested very infrequently. When he plays well, Man City tend to play well.
CB: Manuel Akanji - Could well be Stones who partners Dias this weekend, but the Englishman's lack of match fitness means Guardiola is perhaps hesitant to start him, especially with the international break coming up.
LB: Josko Gvardiol - Played very well indeed against his former club midweek, but will have a tough afternoon should Bukayo Saka be fit enough to play. However, Gvardiol has already shown he's up to the challenge during his short City career.
CM: Mateo Kovacic - The Croatian wasn't at his best after being forced into a deeper role against Wolves, but Rodri's absence and Kalvin Phillips' lack of match sharpness means Guardiola has few other options.
CM: Rico Lewis - One of City's star performers midweek and ridiculously composed for an 18-year-old playing in the best team in world football. His showing against Leipzig could earn him another start.
RM: Phil Foden - Another player who thrived in Germany this week, scoring a wonderful goal and looking City's most creative outlet for the bulk of the match. Played centrally against Leipzig but is likely to move back out to the right on Sunday.
AM: Julian Alvarez - Scored a stunning goal off the bench to effectively win the Cityzens the game against Leipzig. He's Guardiola's most in-form player at the moment and is an essential starter.
LM: Jeremy Doku - Changed the game alongside Alvarez when he arrived off the bench on Wednesday evening, setting one up and scoring a breakaway goal himself. Offers City a unique skillset and should replace Jack Grealish in the starting lineup.
ST: Erling Haaland - The Norwegian is suffering one of the worst goal droughts of his career, now having gone a shocking two games without scoring. Haaland has been on the periphery in recent matches, but scored home and away against the Gunners last season.
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