Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Standard Liege on Thursday certainly wouldn’t have helped Freddie Ljungberg in terms of who should be in his best starting eleven.
Only Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe put in the type of performances that could push them into first-team contention, while most of the senior players looked far less convincing.
In defence, Calum Chambers should return at centre-back, with David Luiz dropping to the bench as Ljungberg is likely to revert to a back four. If that happens, though, it probably means Hector Bellerin will have been passed fit after a hamstring problem kept him out of the win against West Ham. At left-back, Sead Kolasinac will be picked with Kieran Tierney sidelined with a dislocated shoulder.
Granit Xhaka’s absence due to concussion will likely see Matteo Guendouzi paired with Lucas Torreira in midfield. Joe Willock did not impress against Standard so will have to settle for a place on the bench. The continued absence of Dani Ceballos means Mesut Ozil will be selected in the more advanced midfield role.
Nicolas Pepe suffered a bruised knee versus the Hammers, but it is hoped that he will be passed fit to face City. Gabriel Martinell is almost guaranteed to start after scoring on his last league start, while captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will lead the line.
Arsenal’s Predicted XI To Face Manchester City:
Leno, Bellerin, Chambers, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Guendouzi, Ozil, Torreira, Pepe, Aubameyang, Martinelli
