Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Predicted starting XI

Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Predicted starting XI – God help us

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Pep Guardiola of Manchester City talks to Mikel Arteta, Assistant Manager of Manchester City during a training session at Manchester City Football Academy on September 30, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Centre-Backs

Shkodran Mustafi missed Saturday’s match against West Ham with a thigh strain. But the German has since returned to full training and is expected to be available for Wednesday night should Mikel Arteta feel he deserves to start.

Pablo Mari started in Mustafi’s stead at the weekend. He suffered some shaky moments early on and was not entirely convincing against the pace and power of Michail Antonio so it would not be entirely surprising to see Mustafi ushered straight back into the team following a very short absence.

Alongside Mustafi, I expect David Luiz to keep hold of his place. He has severe lapses defensively which undermine his true value, but Mikel Arteta has spoken very highly of the Brazilian throughout his time at the club and seemingly believes in his experience and leadership. Mustafi and Luiz start, but Mari is pushing them hard.