Partey dropped, Havertz decision, Martinelli left out – Arsenal line-ups vs Man City

Mikel Arteta knows he must get his Arsenal team selection spot on for the clash at Manchester City.

“For sure we will prepare to try and win, like we did tonight. That’s been the message already,” the Spaniard said after Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta.

“In order to do that [win at Man City] there are going to be things that we have to do much better than tonight. There are some things that we have done exceptionally well tonight and we are going to have to do them again. Because we all know we need a big performance to beat them.”

The Gunners were undefeated against Man City last term, beating them 1-0 at Emirates Stadium before playing out a tense 0-0 in the return fixture. In order to win the Premier League, the north Londoners may need to claim at least a point on Sunday afternoon, although three points would be the dream scenario.

I think Mikel Arteta will want to go up to Manchester City with a similar approach to last season. The Gunners were focused on being defensively tight first and foremost. They’ll want to do that again.

Having the best goalkeeper in the world will be a bit help for that. David Raya is in great form right now. In front of him, I’m not making any changes to the back four that has conceded just once all season – not at all when you count the time they’ve been playing with 11 men.

In midfield I’m making a tweak though. Thomas Partey was just too sloppy against Atalanta for me. I feel Jorginho is a more trustworthy option in such a big game at the Etihad Stadium, where any slip up will be punished. Declan Rice obviously needs to start too.

In the creative role I’m going for Kai Havertz in midfield. Personally I’d prefer to have the big German up top, but I feel he’s more trustworthy off the ball than Leandro Trossard in such a key position.

That means that Gabriel Jesus needs to play through the middle. The Brazilian will work his socks off for the team up front so that’s not exactly a bad option to have.

Gabriel Martinelli is my choice on the left over Leandro Trossard finally. He’s not in his best form in front of goal, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a winger who works harder to help out his defence than the Brazilian.

Kaynak’s Arsenal XI vs Manchester City: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Jorginho, Havertz, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.