Manchester City will resume their Premier League campaign with a tricky trip to the Emirates Stadium where they face struggling Arsenal. Although Liverpool’s fourth position is seen by many as temporary, which is likely to be overtaken either by Manchester United or Arsenal by the end of the season, Pep Guardiola knows very well that City have an equal chance of missing out on top four.
Guardiola’s men lead Liverpool by a point collecting 57 points from 28 games and they cannot afford to have any slip-ups in the final run to the finishing line. Emirates has always been a fruitless platform for the Citizens as they have managed to win just one of their last 19 games there. While they have won the reverse fixture at Etihad Stadium, they have never managed to do the double on Arsenal since 1976.
However, their manager, Pep Guardiola, holds a psychological advantage over the Frenchman. The Spaniard has won seven of his last nine encounters with him and would expect the same this time.
Strongest Manchester City XI vs Arsenal
Defence
Argentine Willy Caballero should start the game under the bar. Despite getting a breakthrough very late in the season, the 35-year-old has been decent taking his chances to the fullest. He has conceded just five goals in nine games.
The left back’s position should be taken by Gael Clichy. The Frenchman has had a horrible season so far with the 31-year-old finding it difficult to adapt to Guardiola’s blueprint. A major exodus is expected at City at the end of the season, which has him as a possibility. He would hope to end his last days with the club on a good note.
Both the right-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna are a big doubt for the game with thigh injuries and the manager is expected to stick with Fernandinho in that position in the crunch game.
The central defensive duo of Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones is expected to remain unchanged from City’s last game with Liverpool. Despite numerous blunders, the manager seems to have enormous trust in them.
Midfield
Yaya Toure should form the single pivot. The former Ivory Coast international had played a crucial role in City’s comeback win over Arsenal last time and the manager would expect a similar display this time.
The two attacking midfielders should be Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva. The playmaking duo has been involved in six goals and 17 assists this season so far and would be significant in breaking Arsenal’s nervy back line. Though De Bruyne is a slight doubt with his groin injury, he is expected to start the game.
Attack
Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling will start on the flanks. Sane has developed a superstar status at the club of late with his immense impact in City’s success. The attack will be spearheaded by City’s leading scorer Sergio Aguero.
