Manchester City fans have shared their surprise that Riyad Mahrez missed out on the starting XI against Arsenal. The Algerian netted a hat-trick in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United but was named on the bench for Wednesday's potential title-decider.
Going into the crunch clash, Arsenal dropped six points in their last three matches while the Blues have won their last six league outings. A win for the hosts would mean they would take the title race solely into their own hands.
City are without Nathan Ake for the match with the Dutchman ruled out through injury, while the visitors have travelled without William Saliba. Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Ederson and Ruben Dias were all rested in the FA Cup semi-final.
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All make the starting XI against the Gunners while Manuel Akanji and Kyle Walker make the cut. Stones and Rodri play as the two pivots with Bernardo Silva partnering De Bruyne further forward.
Jack Grealish starts on the left while club captain Ilkay Gundogan is given the nod. Of course, 48-goal Erling Haaland starts the match leading the line. Arsenal threats Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard all start for the visitors.
Former City duo Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus are also given the nod by former Pep Guardiola assistant Mikel Arteta. City fans were buoyant to see the line-up fielded by their team although it is the omission of Mahrez that has got the tongues of some City fans wagging.
@ManCityFever_: Poor Mahrez, gets benched after scoring a hat-trick - but in Pep we trust
@taktakcrb: Mahrez ?????
@BigdealYaser: START MAHREZ
@Citehbreh: Harsh on Mahrez tho
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