Man City vs Arsenal team news and line-ups: Stones and Walker injury blow, as Saka starts alongside former Etihad star
27/03/2024 11:16
Manchester City and Arsenal return from the international break for the biggest game of the season as they clash at the Etihad on Sunday.
The two teams are separated by just a point with ten Premier League games to go ahead of their title showdown six-pointer.
This fixture in April proved to be the Gunners’ undoing in last season’s title race, as Mikel Arteta‘s side were thumped 4-1.
The costly defeat left City just two points behind with two games in hand and ultimately proved the final nail in the proverbial coffin.
However, Pep Guardiola‘s men have come unstuck against a steelier Arsenal this time around, who have already beaten them twice.
The north Londoners triumphed in the Community Shield, before a 1-0 victory in October’s reverse fixture that will give them fresh hope.
Man City
Guardiola has several fitness worries to contend with, as Stefan Ortega will be needed to deputise in goal for the injured Ederson.
City captain Kyle Walker is in contention to play despite sustaining a hamstring injury 20 minutes into England’s defeat to Brazil.
He subsequently withdrew from international duty but the problem isn’t expected to be too serious.
Manuel Akanji was waiting in the wings to replace Walker if needed, but he has picked up a knock on international duty too.
So the right-back is still expected to be part of City’s back line alongside Ruben Dias, with Nathan Ake on the left.
John Stones is usually pushed into a double-pivot in midfield alongside Rodri when City are in possession.
However, Stones also came off injured for England and looks a real doubt for this weekend’s game.
Gareth Southgate confirmed he had suffered an abductor issue and the centre-back’s mannerisms after being substituted did not look positive.
He may not be back in time to play in the huge clash which means Josko Gvardiol is likely to be called into the line-up.
Both Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne were left out of their respective international squads this month due to groin problems.
But they have each taken part in training this week, with De Bruyne a shoo-in to play behind Erling Haaland.
England star Grealish is a bigger doubt having not started a game since late February, but Guardiola’s problems on the left may force his hand.
His replacement Jeremy Doku has struggled in 2024 to replicate his early-season promise having not registered a Premier League goal or assist since early November.
Julian Alvarez proved he was uncomfortable in an unorthodox wing role in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool earlier this month, and has the added headache of long-haul travel from America on Argentina duty.
On the opposite flank will be the in-form Phil Foden, with Bernardo Silva occupying the two No.8 roles alongside De Bruyne.
Arsenal
The visitors also had a costly withdrawal from the England camp, with Bukayo Saka failing to play a single minute for the Three Lions.
However, the move was merely a precautionary one, with one of the Premier League’s most fouled players suffering from various knocks.
Saka is still expected to line up alongside Kai Havertz as part of Arteta’s three-pronged attack, but question marks remain over the opposite flank.
Gabriel Martinelliscored the winner in the reverse game, but Leandro Trossard has been deputising for the Brazilian due to a foot issue.
Martinelli’s Brazil teammate Gabriel Jesus hasn’t started a game since January 30, with the club looking to manage his workload.
Former Man City star Jesus has struggled with persistent knee injuries and has been forced to feature from the bench in Arsenal’s last three games before the break.
A return to his old stomping ground could finally see the 26-year-old feature from the start, having featured on the left at City.
Another former Sky Blue star in Oleksandr Zinchenko will likely be resigned to the bench due to Jakub Kiwior‘s impressive form.
The Polish defender is also more naturally defensive assured, with Ben White looking to bounce back from his England storm by starring on the right.
Gabriel Magalhaes pulled out of Brazil’s squad this month but is also expected to partner William Saliba, with David Raya in goal.
Arteta’s favoured midfield three will be unchanged, with former Man City target Jorginho playing the holding role to push Declan Rice further forward alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
