Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly split decision, Nwaneri starts – Arsenal line-ups vs Man City
football.london's writers decide how they think Mikel Arteta should line his Arsenal side up for their Premier League clash against Manchester City
Arsenal vs. Manchester City: Title Race Showdown
Arsenal take on Manchester City this Sunday in what promises to be the biggest match of the season so far, with both teams battling for crucial points in the title race. The Gunners will be eager to make amends for the late equalizer at the Etihad earlier this season.
One of the biggest talking points from that match was Erling Haaland’s now-infamous “stay humble” remark to Mikel Arteta, a moment that didn’t sit well with Arsenal fans. While Arteta has brushed it off ahead of the rematch, it’s unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.
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David Raya remains a doubt after missing the Champions League fixture, but there’s good news as Myles Lewis-Skelly is available following a successful appeal against his three-match ban.
With that in mind, football.London writers share their preferred Arsenal line-ups for the big game.
Tom Canton’s XI
Arsenal can field a strong side against City, and after their midweek Champions League trip to Girona, they might even be the fresher team. William Saliba was fully rested, while David Raya, if fit, should return to the starting lineup.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice all played limited minutes midweek, making them ideal starters for Sunday. Their freshness could provide the Gunners with an extra edge.
Ethan Nwaneri is another exciting option after scoring against Girona. Meanwhile, Partey’s return to midfield should improve Arsenal’s progression. However, with a Carabao Cup semi-final looming on Tuesday, squad rotation will depend on how Sunday’s game unfolds.
Canton’s Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli.
Lee Wilmot’s XI
David Raya’s fitness remains uncertain, but if he’s even partially fit, he’s still the best option over Neto against a team like Manchester City.
At the back, Jurrien Timber starts at right-back, with Riccardo Calafiori on the left. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães remain the center-back pairing.
In midfield, Wilmot picks Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Ødegaard, believing Mikel Merino hasn’t done enough to earn a starting spot.
Up front, young Ethan Nwaneri gets the nod on the right, Gabriel Martinelli takes his usual place on the left, and Kai Havertz leads the line.
Wilmot’s Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Partey, Ødegaard; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli.