As Manchester City get ready to host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, we have tried to call the hosts’ predicted lineup.
Considering Pep Guardiola played a rotated side against Sheffield United in the FA Cup, we expect him to make 5 changes to the XI that faces the Gunners.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Arsenal
Perhaps the most obvious change in our Manchester City predicted lineup against Arsenal will come in goal, with Stefan Ortega being displaced by Ederson.
At right-back, Kyle Walker could also be benched, with John Stones replacing him in the side. However, the speedy Manuel Akanji could perhaps start at right-back to deal with the pace of Gabriel Martinelli.
Sergio Gomez is also set to come out of the team for Ruben Dias, with Aymeric Laporte staying in the XI to play at left-back.
While Nathan Ake’s availability is yet to be confirmed, it seems unlikely that he will recover in time from his hamstring injury to start against Mikel Arteta and Co.
Considering Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva started as the double pivot against Sheffield, Rodri could actually come in with Riyad Mahrez getting dropped in our Manchester City predicted lineup against Arsenal.
Gundogan, however is expected to play in front of the Spaniard.
As a result, Riyad Mahrez, described as ‘unplayable’ by Jermaine Defoe is likely to lose his place in the side, with Kevin De Bruyne starting proceedings in our Manchester City predicted lineup.
Bernardo Silva, who has not just started but thrived as a right winger lately seems dead set to do so again, whilst remaining in the side.
On the left flank, Jack Grealish is also expected to retain his place in our Manchester City predicted lineup.
While up front, it goes without saying that Julian Alvarez will drop to the bench for Erling Haaland, branded as ‘the best footballer in the world’ by Wayne Rooney via the Times to start from the off.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Ederson, Akanji, Stones, Dias, Laporte, Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Haaland, Grealish
