Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Man City - Premier League

Perhaps the toughest week in Arsenal's season draws to a close at the Etihad on Sunday as the Gunners take on likely title rivals Manchester City.

While this huge bout arrives barely a month into the new season, there's no getting past just how significant an away win would be in Manchester. Arsenal are unbeaten in their previous three outings against the Cityzens, but they're yet to win at the Etihad since Pep Guardiola took charge.

In fact, no visiting team has claimed three points at City's fortress since Brentford in November 2022. It's a tough place to go, that's for sure.

The visitors still have a fairly extensive injury list and are without captain Martin Odegaard. Arteta could go full Tony Pulis on Sunday in a bid to avoid defeat, and here's how we're predicting his Arsenal XI to look on Sunday.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Man City

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - You could argue that Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world right now. The Spaniard has kept four clean sheets in five, and his heroics ensured Arsenal started their Champions League campaign with a point against Atalanta.

Ben White (RB) - After last weekend's struggles, White enjoyed a more serene outing on Thursday. There's no love lost between his likely match-up on Sunday, Jack Grealish.

William Saliba (CB) - Saliba relishes his duels with Erling Haaland, and he'll be tasked with taming a man who has nine goals in four Premier League outings at the start of the new season.

Gabriel (CB) - Gabriel's box defending has been superb over the past week, and he'll have to be at his very best again on Sunday with City likely to be camped outside the Arsenal box for large swathes of the contest.

Jurrien Timber (LB) - I'm looking forward to Riccardo Calafiori getting a run in the team, but we're not quite there yet. I think Timber will continue down the left and shut down whomever he takes on.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) - Arteta's midfield options remain slim, so I'm backing the manager to opt for security. Partey was woeful on Thursday, but at least he played less than an hour. His legs might be somewhat fresh.

Jorginho (CM) - If Arteta opts for Jorginho or Partey, he has to go with the former. However, I think he plays them together at the Etihad - just as he did in the North London Derby.

Declan Rice (CM) - Rice's role could be an interesting one. In Bergamo, the midfielder was tasked with winning duels higher up the pitch, and we may see something similar on Sunday in a bid to avoid City's press. Without the ball, Rice will be a part of a stout midfield screen tasked with shunning the hosts' playmakers between the lines.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Can Arsenal's starboy please stand up, please stand up? Saka has been heavily involved in every Gunners goal this season, and his outing on Sunday will likely be defined by moments.

Kai Havertz (ST) - Havertz has emerged as Arsenal's main man in attack, with Arteta's plans seemingly forming around the German. Can he produce in the big one on Sunday?

Leandro Trossard (LW) - Gabriel Martinelli may be a handy impact option, and I wouldn't be surprised if Raheem Sterling gets the nod against his former club. However, I reckon Arteta opts for sharp-shooter Trossard in the hope of the Belgian merely getting a single sight of goal in the opening hour. Defend the lead thereafter.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!