Viktor Gyokeres could be dropped by Mikel Arteta as Arsenal take on Manchester City with Noni Madueke recovering from knee injury(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal take on Manchester City in the Premier League, as they look to claim a huge result in the final stages of the title race. Mikel Arteta is looking to avoid defeat, although a victory would give the Gunners the biggest of potential boosts.
After winning in midweek on aggregate against Sporting CP, the club made history by reaching back-to-back UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Yet for the fan base, a season without silverware will still feel incredibly painful, which is only putting more pressure and emphasis on this game.
Arteta and Pep Guardiola’s battles over recent years have been much closer, although the defeat in the League Cup final proved to be very damaging mentally for Arsenal. In terms of the team, there remain some injury concerns making it difficult to consider who might start in some areas.
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Here is who **football.london** predicts will start for Arsenal:
**David Raya**
After earning a man-of-the-match performance in Lisbon, the Spaniard’s form has dropped off a cliff, and his distribution has fallen into question.
**Cristhian Mosquera**
Back into the right-back role, the Spaniard performed well, and despite Ben White getting a week’s rest, the display shown on Wednesday might convince Arteta to stick with Mosquera.
**William Saliba**
Big games are for big players and the Man City press simply gazumped Arsenal in the Cup final and Saliba needs to find a way out.
**Gabriel**
Erling Haaland vs Gabriel is reignited once again but as Arsenal focus on defence, the Brazilian could be useful in being a threat from set-pieces too.
**Piero Hincapie**
A very welcome returner after a short period out, his workrate against Sporting was excellent and he will need to be on it to stop Semenyo.
**Martin Zubimendi**
The Spaniard earned the man of the match on Wednesday, which came at the perfect time to lift the midfielder’s mood and form ahead of this big test.
**Declan Rice**
Despite being ill, the now-captain for the moment played the full game and was again a standout holding down the middle third while Zubimendi pushed forward.
**Eberechi Eze**
Another big welcome return to the team, Eberechi Eze will be massive for Arsenal in this game and has been a big moment player against City before.
**Noni Madueke**
Hoping to recover from his knee issue suffered on Wednesday, there is optimism that he could make it back in time.
**Kai Havertz**
The German just feels like the best option for this game, to provide better hold-up play and links as well over Viktor Gyokeres who struggled against his old side.
**Gabriel Martinelli**
On the break, the Brazilian can be very dangerous but has struggled for form this season in the Premier League and needs to find it here.