Arsenal welcome Manchester City to the Emirates in another titanic Premier League showdown this weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s side have collected nine points from a possible 12 this term with their only blemish that defeat to Anfield prior to the international break.
It is those trips to places like Anfield and the Etihad where the Gunners boss sees his credentials most questioned. But back in north London, the tide has been turning against City with Arteta getting his first win over Pep Guardiola in October 2023, following it up with that thumping 5-1 thrashing last season.
Arsenal came through their opening match of their Champions League campaign with a win over Athletic Bilbao, albeit a bit battered and bruised.
Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres both suffered head injuries in the Basque Country but Arteta has no major concerns over the duo heading into the weekend.
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Martin Odegaard missed the trip after suffering a shoulder injury in the weekend win over Nottingham Forest – the same shoulder he hurt in the win over Leeds before the international break.
The captain did not train on Monday with Arsenal still waiting to learn the full extent of the issue.
William Saliba meanwhile was back in training last week after an ankle sprain but Arteta resisted the urge to bring him back into the side on Saturday – with Christhian Mosquera doing a fine job on his absence
While reports in France suggested Saliba was facing weeks on the sidelines, the centre-half has a good chance of being available to start this weekend.
Bukayo Saka has been sidelined with another hamstring problem suffered in the win over Leeds in August with Arteta recently indicating he is making good progress in his latest recovery.
Having not yet returned to training, the visit of City could come too soon for him with Noni Madueke also in fine form in his role on the right.
Kai Habertz meanwhile continues to recover from minor knee surgery while Christian Norgaard was finally able to make his club debut midweek.
Manchester City face a quick turnaround, in action against Serie A champions Napoli on Thursday before their trip to the capital.
Phil Foden was back in the side on Sunday with a goal but Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush remain sidelined with respective thigh and knee injuries.
John Stones also missed out after leaving the England squad with a muscle issue during the recent international break.
Josko Gvardiol made his return from injury in the derby with Guardiola’s options at the back now looking a little healthier.
Arsenal XI to face Man City – Metro prediction
Much will depend on the fitness of Martin Odegaard but Ethan Nwaneri has demonstrated he is ready to step in if called upon.
It would be a huge statement for Arteta to start the 18-year-old should the captain miss out – although Mikel Merino has been trusted with starting roles in the last two games.
Arsenal vs Man City TV channel and kick-off time
Arsenal vs Man City takes place on Sunday 21 September with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.
