Mikel Arteta named Kai Havertz in Arsenal‘s starting XI for Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with Viktor Gyökeres dropping to the bench.
The only other change for the Premier League leaders was the introduction of Martin Ødegaard who returned from injury to make only his third start since Jan. 25.
Eberechi Eze began off the left flank, with Noni Madueke out on the right.
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Pep Guardiola opted for an unchanged team from the side which thrashed Chelsea 3-0 last week and will hope momentum continues as they aim to close the gap to three points behind Arsenal.
Arsenal will know a win is absolutely vital to keep their bid for a first league title in 22 years alive and in their own hands.
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Arsenal travel to the Etihad holding a six-point advantage over their nearest challengers, Man City.
However, City have a game in hand, and two victories for Pep’s side would see them draw level with Arteta’s side at that top.
Man City
Starting XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Jérémy Doku, Rayan Cherki, 42 Antoine Semenyo, Erling Haaland.
Subs: James Trafford, Tijjani Reijnders, John Stones, Nathan Aké, Omar Marmoush, Nico González, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Savinho, Phil Foden
Arsenal
Starting XI: David Raya, Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié, Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz.
Subs: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres, Christian Nørgaard, Leandro Trossard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Max Dowman
