Gabriel Martinelli decision, Bukayo Saka starts - Arsenal predicted XI vs Manchester City
football.london takes a look at how Arsenal could line up for their Premier League clash against Pep Guardiola's men at the Etihad Stadium, with questions over Mikel Arteta's attack
Mikel Arteta himself has admitted Arsenal's Premier League clash with Manchester City is a huge match at the top of the table.
"It's a massive game for both teams," the Spaniard said. "It will give us a huge boost again if we go there and win it. Still there is a long, long, long way after to make the ground to win it."
Win, and the Gunners can open up a four-point gap over Pep Guardiola's side with just nine games remaining. Lose, and Arsenal could go from leading the way in a thrilling three way title race to being last in the chasing pack.
It's crucial that Arteta gets his team selection right and there are plenty of dilemmas the Spaniard will have to deal with. Here football.london takes a look at who he might pick at the Etihad Stadium.
Goalkeeper - David Raya
David Raya was in action for Spain over the international break. After a tricky game in the reverse fixture at Emirates Stadium, he'll be hoping for a more composed showing this time around.
(Image: Justin Setterfield)1 of 11Right-back - Ben White
Despite not featuring for England, it was still a busy international break for Ben White who was at the heart of a controversy with Gareth Southgate. He'll be keen to put that behind him for the final few games of the season.
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)2 of 11Centre-back - William Saliba
Saliba was absent for this crucial game last season. He'll be extra motivated to make amends for that by having another outstanding display against Erling Haaland.
(Image: Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)3 of 11Centre-back - Gabriel
![Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes]()
After pulling out of international duty with a swollen Achilles tendon, Gabriel's availability for this game is in question. The Brazilian looks likely to pull through, though.
(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)4 of 11Left-back - Jakub Kiwior
![LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal is challenged by Francisco Conceicao of FC Porto during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Porto at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)]()
The left-back spot is a fascinating point of contention for this game. If Takehiro Tomiyasu was closer to full fitness he'd probably be playing. Oleksandr Zinchenko is nearing match sharpness after featuring intermittently over the international break. But Arteta is probably more inclined to stick with Jakub Kiwior, not just based on fitness, but on form as well right now.
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