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Arsenal host Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium this afternoon in what promises to be a mouthwatering fixture at the two of the Premier League table. City and the Gunners sit second and third respectively, with Tottenham Hotspur leading the pack, although they have of course played an extra match - defeating Luton Town 1-0 yesterday.
Mikel Arteta's side will be desperate to secure all three points against the Citizens, who they haven't beaten in the league since a 2-1 victory back in December 2015. Arteta has several tough decisions to make when it comes to what starting line-up he will field today, with some difficult calls in attack considering Bukayo Saka remains a doubt due to injury.
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at three potential line-ups that the north Londoners could start against the reigning champions.
Unchanged from midweek
Arsenal lost their first game of the season on Tuesday night, suffering a 2-1 defeat in their UEFA Champions League clash against RC Lens. The Gunners struggled on the night, unable to consistently create meaningful opportunities against the French side's narrow resolute defence.
But Arteta may opt to stick with his guns today and give that team the chance to prove themselves against City, who defeated RB Leipzig 3-1 in their Champions League fixture on Wednesday evening.
Lineup: David Raya, Takehiro Tomiyasu, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard.
Saka not risked
Star winger Saka was forced off in the first half of that loss against Lens, limping off after picking up what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Arteta has since confirmed that the Hale End academy graduate is in contention to face City, although the youngster's recent run of knocks may very well tempt the Gunners boss to start him on the bench.
Gabriel Jesus is a more than capable option to replace Saka on the right flank, often operating there during his final campaign with the Citizens. That would in turn allow Kai Havertz a chance to impress upfront, where he enjoyed a solid display during Arsenal's Community Shield victory over Guardiola's side.
Ben White then may be a smart option at right-back considering he is more adventurous than Takehiro Tomiyasu going forward, comfortable overlapping to open up space more centrally.
Lineup: David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard.
Defensive setup
Arsenal could also choose a slightly more defensive system considering City's attacking prowess. The Gunners' right-back will likely be one versus one against Jeremy Doku, who is extremely dangerous when running at defenders.
So, that may mean Arteta opts to go for Tomiyasu over White considering the former's elite shutdown defending in wide channels. A midfield consisting of both Thomas Partey and Declan Rice also gives the north Londoners added security in the centre of the park whilst a front three of Saka, Jesus and Havertz offers a rare blend of close control, intelligent movement and clever pressing.
Lineup: David Raya, Takehiro Tomiyasu, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus.
