Man City vs Arsenal team news and line-ups: De Bruyne and Walker step up, while Saka starts alongside former Etihad star
Manchester City and Arsenal return from the international break for the biggest match of the season when they meet at the Etihad on Sunday.
The two teams are separated by just one point with ten Premier League games remaining before their six-point title clash.
This April fixture proved to be the Gunners' undoing in last season's title race, as Mikel ArtetaThe Russian team was defeated 4-1.
The costly defeat left City just two points behind with two games in hand and ultimately proved to be the final nail in the proverbial coffin.
However, pep guardiolaThe men have taken off against a tougher rival. Arsenal this time, they have already beaten them twice.
The north Londoners triumphed in the Community Shield, before a 1-0 victory in the first leg in October will give them new hope.
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Guardiola has several physical problems to deal with, as Stefan Ortega will be needed to replace the injured. Ederson.
city captain Kyle Walker is in the fight to play despite suffering a hamstring injury 20 minutes into England's loss to Brazil.
He later retired from international duty but the problem is not expected to be too serious.
Manuel Akanji was waiting in the wings to replace Walker if necessary, but he also took a knock on international duty.
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The right-back is therefore still expected to form part of City's defensive line alongside Ruben Dias, with Nathan Ake on the left.
Juan Piedras is usually pushed into a double pivot in midfield alongside Rodri when City are in possession.
However, Stone also left England injured and looks a real doubt for this weekend's game.
Gareth Southgate confirmed had suffered a kidnapping problem and the central defender's gestures after being substituted did not seem positive.
He may not return in time to play in the big clash, which means Josko Gvardiol He is likely to be called up to the lineup.
Both Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne They were left out of their respective international squads this month due to groin problems.
But both have taken part in training this week, and De Bruyne is a sure candidate to play behind. Erling Haaland.
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England star Grealish is a major doubt as he has not started a game since late February, but Guardiola's problems on the left may force his decision.
His replacement, Jeremy Doku, has struggled in 2024 to replicate his early-season promise, having not recorded a Premier League goal or assist since early November.
Julián Álvarez showed that he was uncomfortable in an unorthodox full-back role in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool earlier this month, and has the added headache of long-haul travel from the United States in service in Argentina.
On the opposite flank will be the in-form team. Phil Fodenwith Bernard Silva occupying both number 8 roles alongside De Bruyne.
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Arsenal
The visitors also suffered a costly retreat from the England field, with Bukayo Saka could not play for a single minute for the Three Lions.
However, the measure was merely preventive, with one of the most missing players in the Premier League suffering several blows.
Saka is still expected to line up alongside Kai Havertz as part of Arteta's three-pronged attack, but question marks remain on the opposite flank.
Gabriel Martinelli the winner scored in the reverse gamebut Leandro Trossard He has replaced the Brazilian due to a foot problem.
Martinelli's partner in Brazil Gabriel Jesus He has not started a game since January 30 and the club is looking to manage his workload.
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Former Manchester City star Jesus has battled persistent knee injuries and has been forced to play from the bench in Arsenal's last three games before the break.
A return to his old stomping grounds could finally see the 26-year-old feature from the start, having played on the left for City.
Another former Sky Blue star in Oleksandr Zinchenko will probably resign from office due to Jakub KiwiorIts impressive shape.
The Polish defender also has a more natural defensive security, with Ben White looks to recover from his storm in England starring on the right.
Gabriel Magalhaes withdraws from the Brazil squad this month but is also expected to join William Salibawith David Rayá in goal.
Arteta's three favorite midfielders will remain unchanged, with Jorginho, former Manchester City target playing the supporting role to drive Declan Rice later with the captain Martin Odegaard.
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