Arsenal predicted XI vs Manchester City: Arteta seeks three points

Arsenal come up against Manchester City at the Etihad this weekend.

Pull through it, team. I understand that nobody likes the international break, especially when the performances seem to be as bland as England’s in recent years. I can only hope your country puts in some more exciting displays. But we will soon see a return to Premier League football, and Manchester City vs Arsenal certainly won’t disappoint.

Arsenal faced Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinal, a competition which they went on to win. Having learned under Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta proved that he is no pushover as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bagged twice, and then again in the final.

But the Premier League is a different kettle of fish entirely. To win this match, Arteta must put forward his best possible lineup. Here’s how I think the Gunners will setup.

Bernd Leno

I don’t think there’ll be any real questions asked here, it has to be Bernd Leno between the sticks. Especially after his emphatic performance against Liverpool recently, the German will be hungry to pick up all three points against Manchester City.

It was Martinez that took his place in the FA Cup fixture, but now he’s been sold, Leno is the only sensible option.