Saka and Martinelli start as Gabriel partners Saliba in dream Arsenal line-up vs Manchester City
Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes all feature in a dream Arsenal line-up for the trip to Manchester City in a huge Premier League title-race showdown
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could yet both start for Arsenal against Manchester City
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could yet both start for Arsenal against Manchester City (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
There are so many questions as Arsenal head into the weekend’s clash with Manchester City. The game has been rightfully billed as something of a title decider with the Gunners having the chance to put four points between themselves and their Premier League rivals with Liverpool hoping for the spoils to be shared.
The reason behind the number of uncertainties lies in the international break and the lead-up to it having such a dramatic impact on both squads. Ahead of the domestic interruption, Manchester City lost both Ederson and Kevin De Bruyne with both unable to play for their respective nations, while Arsenal saw Gabriel Martinelli withdraw from duty following a cut against Sheffield United.
During the break, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes both pulled out with precautionary minor issues. Kyle Walker, John Stones and Manuel Akanji all picked up issues while playing, which may have created a defensive nightmare for Pep Guardiola.
From an Arsenal perspective, though, the return of their three key players will be a massive boost and certainly in a dream scenario all feature. David Raya played only 45 minutes for Spain as he continues to be the No.2 option to Unai Simon.
In defence, had you have asked me with all but Jurrien Timber available who my starting left back for the trip to City would have been, I’d have previously been shocked to have learned Jakub Kiwior is the clear favourite. The Pole started both Euro qualifiers and played 120-plus minutes in the final before watching his teammates knock out Wales on penalties.
William Saliba may not yet be completely appreciated by Didier Deschamps but he doesn’t need to be as long he is fit for Arsenal. Gabriel’s recovery is hoped for with the centre-half’s win success when starting together the bedrock of the Gunners’ season.
READ MORE: Arsenal players shared 1322 minutes of action ahead of Man City clash and survived injury scares
READ MORE: What Manchester City XI vs Arsenal could be as John Stones joins four other doubtful stars
Benjamin White signed a new contract on the same day his England manager decided to reveal all (well, at least one side of the story) regarding his absence from the national side. He stayed behind and worked with Mikel Arteta as well as enjoying a short break away, and will again be fully rested for this game.
Into midfield and Jorginho might have been the furthest traveller as he played a reasonable amount of minutes in North America with Italy. Alongside him will be Declan Rice who was made captain of England for their 2-2 draw with Belgium playing the entirety, rather needlessly, of both friendlies.
Martin Odegaard was spared the same scenario but still played the majority of Norway’s two games. As did Erling Haaland, who threatened to spark Gunners’ delight when news spread of a potential injury issue in training which quickly faded.
Up top is where the most questions are for Arsenal, but should both Saka and Martinelli recover, they have to start considering the magnitude of the game. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz is arguably the Gunners’ most in-form player and scored for Germany to continue his momentum which will be pivotal for the clash with City.
Arsenal dream XI vs Man City: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
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