Arsenal predicted lineup vs Man City: Will Martinelli play?

Arsenal can assert their authority at the top of the Premier League table with a significant victory away at Manchester City this weekend.

City's draw with Liverpool the day after Kai Havertz handed the Gunners all three points against Brentford meant Mikel Arteta's side headed into the March break at the division's summit. They take an eight-game winning run into Sunday's game.

It's a monstrous duel with huge implications, and both teams have injury concerns heading into it. Pep Guardiola has already confirmed that both Kyle Walker and John Stones will be absent for Arsenal's visit, while Mikel Arteta has been coy regarding the statuses of his injured stars.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Man City

Here's how we think the Gunners will line up at the Etihad.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

GK: David Raya - The Spaniard was the hero on his last outing against FC Porto, with Aaron Ramsdale returning to the side against Brentford. A big game is required from Raya.

RB: Ben White - Fresh having rejected Gareth Southgate's calls, White will be ready and raring to go this weekend.

CB: William Saliba - Saliba did get a chance to impress over the break, even if Didier Deschamps isn't his biggest fan - not sure why. Another duel with Erling Haaland beckons.

CB: Gabriel - One of three injury doubts heading into the game, I just don't see how Gabriel doesn't start on Sunday.

LB: Jakub Kiwior - Kiwior was excellent before the break and while Arsenal have gotten healthier at the back, the Pole deserves to keep his place for this one.

Midfielders

CM: Jorginho - Arteta might have some concerns given the athleticism and power City have in midfield with Kevin De Bruyne, but Jorginho has delivered on the big occasion since joining the club and was in excellent form before the break.

CM: Declan Rice - It's for games like this why Arsenal spent a British record fee to sign Rice.

CM: Martin Odegaard - The sparkling creator has dazzled in 2024 and Arteta needs Odegaard to deliver on Sunday. The captain was slandered for his big-game performances before the start of the season.

Forwards

RW: Bukayo Saka - Arteta hasn't confirmed whether Saka's fit for Sunday, but he will be, right? The winger withdrew from international duty with a minor muscle issue.

ST: Kai Havertz - Havertz has a big role to play this weekend. The towering German performed well up top in the Community Shield, and his presence led to Gabriel Martinelli's winner in the reverse fixture. Arteta has to play him over Gabriel Jesus.

LW: Leandro Trossard - While Saka and Gabriel are expected to start, Martinelli might only be fit for the bench. Thus, Trossard should get the nod with the Brazilian hopefully having an impact off the bench as he did in October.

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