Man City have been playing catch-up with Arsenal in the Premier League but all of a sudden, the Cityzens find themselves in the driver’s seat.
The Gunners have dropped points in their previous three matches which means Manchester City are now just five points behind Arsenal having played two games less. City will welcome Mikel Arteta’s side to the Etihad Stadium this week and if they can pick up a win on Wednesday then it’s almost inevitable that Man City will move to the top of the table.
Arsenal have a squad that can go head-on with Man City but after three consecutive draws, their confidence will be a bit down meaning City will go in as the slight favourites.
City have a great recent record against the North London side but the Gunners will give it their all on Wednesday so the home side will have to be on their toes from minute one. This game is shaping up to be a cracking encounter and whoever wins will have a massive advantage in terms of lifting the trophy next month.
Manchester City’s team news and injuries:
City faced Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend but Guardiola played a second-string side in that game so fatigue is not going to be an issue for the home side.
On Saturday, the manager used a 3-3-3-1 formation but against Arsenal, the Manchester City boss will go back to his usual 3-2-3-1 system.
Kyle Walker faced Sheffield United but on Wednesday, the England international will be dropped to the bench. Pep has made it clear that Walker is not fitting in a three-man central defence so Akanji, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake will get starts.
John Stones has adjusted superbly to the defensive midfielder’s role and he will surely start alongside Rodri.
We don’t think the Man City manager will make any changes to the starting line up which he named against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
Phil Foden got a few minutes under his belt at the weekend so he will be pushing for a start but the way Jack Grealish is playing, there’s no way he is going to be dropped.
Riyad Mahrez was the start of the show against Sheffield United but the wide attacker will not move up the pecking order ahead of Bernardo Silva.
All eyes will be on Erling Haaland because William Saliba is not expected to be fit for this tie meaning it could end up being a field day for the Norwegian international.
Man City predicted line up vs Arsenal:
Predicted Starting XI(3-2-4-1): Ederson; Nathan Ake, Dias, Akanji; Rodri, John Stones; Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Jack Grealish; Haaland.
