Man City predicted lineup vs Arsenal - Premier League

26 August 2021 22:00

After getting things back on track with a thumping victory over Norwich, Manchester City will look to become the next team to tear Arsenal apart when the two sides meet at the Emirates on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola remains without two of his key players in Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, but he still has more than enough attacking weapons to fancy his chances against an Arsenal back line that has looked incredibly fragile so far this year.

Here's how the boss could line up.


1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Laporte was outstanding against Norwich | Michael Regan/Getty Images

Ederson (GK) - Arsenal are yet to score a goal this season and Ederson will not be happy if he is the one against whom they end that drought.

Kyle Walker (RB) - Back into the swing of things after a busy summer, expect Walker to keep his spot in the squad on the right.

Ruben Dias (CB) - The star of the show last season, Dias is always going to be a starter, it's just a case of who gets the nod alongside him.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) - Guardiola will struggle to drop Laporte after his excellent showing against Norwich, which is fine as John Stones is still building up his fitness anyway.

Joao Cancelo (LB) - Benjamin Mendy's suspension means the left-back spot is a shoot-out between Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchencko, but expect the former to get the nod.

2. Midfielders

Grealish is off the mark for City | Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Rodri (DM) - Rodri made his first start of the season against Norwich and helped put an end to City's losing streak, so he will likely be rewarded with another start.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - Guardiola gave Gundogan a rest towards the end of the last match, so he should be ready to go for this one.

Jack Grealish (CM) - With De Bruyne injured and Bernardo Silva still looking to leave the club, Grealish could be dropped back into his preferred eight role.

3. Forwards

Sterling should be back in the starting lineup | Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Riyad Mahrez (RW) - After his goalscoring cameo off the bench last week, Mahrez should be promoted back to the starting lineup to face the team he almost joined before City.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - Jesus was sensational against Norwich, racking up assists with ease, and he has earned himself another crack in a central role.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - Like Mahrez, Sterling popped up off the bench to score and is also pushing for a recall, which would allow Grealish to drop back into midfield.

Source: 90min