Manchester City take on Arsenal on Wednesday in a match that could swing the title race back in their favour.
Arsenal have been top of the Premier League table for most of the season and became favourites to lift the trophy thanks to their seemingly infallible form. However, they have dropped points against Everton and Brentford in their last two outings which has opened the door for City to retake the ascendency.
Pep Guardiola's side can move above the Gunners on goal difference should they emerge victorious from the Emirates Stadium. They will have to do it without centre-back John Stones, though, who remains sidelined.
Also read: 'I am ashamed of myself' - Guardiola issues public apology
The City boss remained tight-lipped on the condition of Erling Haaland in his press conference after the striker went off at half-time against Aston Villa. The Norwegian was in training on Monday, though, so may well be fine to compete.
"We train this afternoon. Right now I don’t know," he said "Yesterday was about recovery from Aston Villa. That’s all."
MEN Sport writers have named the City starting XI they believe should play against Arsenal and you can pick your own in the widget below.
Simon Bajkowski
Sunday was much more like it from a City point of view, but with Bukayo Saka in good form it is hard to look past Nathan Ake coming back in at left-back to stifle him as he has done well in similar situations this season. If you are losing the build-up of Bernardo Silva from that position, Aymeric Laporte needs to stay.
Guardiola again praised Rico Lewis after the Villa game, although I'd stick with the experience of Kyle Walker - especially as he was also talked up - and the leadership of Ruben Dias. Bernardo played too well against Villa to be left out, however harsh on Ilkay Gundogan.
It is hard to look past the front three of Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, and - as long as he is fit - Haaland.
Tyrone Marshall
This is probably Guardiola's biggest team selection to date and there will surely be at least one change from Sunday. A left-back feels pretty essential against Saka at the moment.
Walker, Dias and Laporte will probably be called on at the back again, but Ake can come in at left-back. He played against Saka in the FA Cup game recently and has also shackled Salah since the World Cup. He's a major part of Guardiola's plans for the biggest games.
That will probably mean one less body in midfield. Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne are certainties for me and I would go with Bernardo centrally, just for his intelligence in knowing where to be in these games. He could be used out wide, allowing Gundogan to come in, but it feels Mahrez and Grealish are also part of the plan for the front three in this kind of game. Haaland should be fit enough to start.
Dan Murphy
Although the no-left-back ploy worked a treat against Aston Villa it would be quite brave to try it again against Arsenal, especially given the talent of Saka. Instead, I'd bring Ake back in at left-back, who was excellent when the sides met in the FA Cup.
That would see Bernardo sacrificed which would be unlucky for him after his great game but the midfield trio of Rodri, De Bruyne and Gundogan looked sharper than they have in months on Sunday so it would be silly to break them up again so soon.
Otherwise, the team should remain unchanged. Dias and Laporte are the best centre-back pairing and Grealish and Mahrez remain the most in-form wide forwards at present.
READ NEXT
