Manchester City suffered a major blow in their push for the title in the midweek when they somehow lost to bottoms-half side Newcastle United with goals from Salomon Rondón and Matt Ritchie masterminding their undoing.
Currently 5 points behind Liverpool, they will be hoping that the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United are able to take points off the leaders. With Liverpool facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League as well, City could still get an opportunity to sneak ahead.
They will be going into this game against Arsenal looking for 3 points to maintain the pace at the top of the table while the Gunners will be fighting to keep fourth spot as Chelsea and United watch closely.
City will be without substitute goalkeeper Claudio Bravo who has a ruptured Achilles’ tendon that will keep him out for the rest of the season. Vincent Kompany has also been ruled out because of a slight knock.
Benjamin Mandy is still nursing a knee problem and isn’t expected to start while Ederson picked up an issue on his knee in the defeat to Newcastle, which could force Guardiola to field 20-year-old Aro Muric (as reported by the Telegraph).
With Bravo ruled out and the presence of growing concerns about Ederson’s fitness, City could be forced to play the Kosovo international goalkeeper.
Danilo was given the start against Newcastle and like the rest of the team, he looked flat going forward. Expect the dynamic Walked to come back in.
One of Guardiola’s best signings, Laporte has really grown into a solid defender at the back for City and has managed to keep Kompany and Otamendi out of the team.
Another young centre-half lured in by Guardiola, he is a mobile defender who will be key in defending against players like Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He has played this role in many crucial games for City and it’s worked out at times as well. Expect him to start there again this time.
City’s midfield magician, Silva has been exceptional this season and has looked like he’s getting younger by the years. Expect him to be in his regular spot on the left-hand side.
Responsible for giving away the penalty that cost City the game against Newcastle, the Brazilian will look to bounce back from that embarrassment.
While De Bruyne is ready, he just seemed to be out of it against the Magpies, which could tempt Pep Guardiola to drop him for this important game.
Having used Sterling in midweek, the creativity of Mahrez could be the answer to breaking down Arsenal’s defence.
City’s talisman for many years now, he is a defender’s nightmare, making sharp runs and ghosting past defenders like they’re not there. If he’s in the mood on Sunday, Arsenal are in for a wild ride.
The German international has had a breakthrough season in terms of consistency. He has been excellent throughout and should get to start against the Gunners.
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