Manchester City have the opportunity to return to winning ways when they entertain Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening. The Citizens suffered a shock league defeat against Newcastle United in midweek but they are still within five points off the top of the table after leaders Liverpool failed to efficiently capitalise after managing just the stalemate in the previous gameweek.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Lineup:
Ederson has been the Citizens’ undisputed choice for the number one role and no change is expected. The Brazilian has kept 10 clean sheets during the ongoing Premier League campaign. In the defence, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi could take up the central defensive duties with Aymeric Laporte potentially slotting into the left-back role ahead of Danilo, who had an average game against the Magpies. At right-back, Kyle Walker should retain his position once more.
In midfield, Fernandinho is likely to retain the holding midfield role despite his mistake leading to the penalty in the Magpies defeat. Ahead of him, Kevin de Bruyne should feature after just an hour of play in midweek and he could be accompanied by David Silva, who has proven the main catalyst in linking up play with the frontmen.
In the attack, Guardiola may not tinker with the front three from recent matches. Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling should feature on the left and right of the attack with Sergio Aguero leading the line ahead of Gabriel Jesus once more. Jesus has been the form marksman for the Citizens of late but Aguero remains the greater threat against Arsenal after scoring seven times in 15 previous meetings.
Predicted Manchester City lineup (4-3-3): Ederson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi, Aymeric Laporte, Fernandinho, Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Sergio Aguero
