Arsenal and Manchester City collide in a huge Premier League showdown in north London this afternoon.
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.
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.
Bukayo Saka meanwhile 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.
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Neither Odegaard or Saka trained during the week but their manager suggested both would have the chance to prove their fitness in a final session on Saturday.
Both could therefore be in contention to make today’s squad.
William Saliba meanwhile was back in training last week after an ankle sprain but Arteta has so far resisted the urge to bring him back in – 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 today.
Kai Havertz continues to recover from minor knee surgery while Christian Norgaard was finally able to make his club debut midweek.
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.
City picked up a 2-0 win over Napoli in their Champions League opener on Thursday heading into today’s game.
Rodri played an hour of that game before being replaced with Pep Guardiola ‘not sure’ if the Spain international will be ready for the clash with the Gunners.
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 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.
Whether Saka is fit or not, Noni Madueke’s fine form means there is perhaps less pressure to bring the former straight back into the side.
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.
