Arsenal team news: Predicted XI vs Man City with Havertz and Sterling decisions

Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City on Sunday aiming to knock the champions off their perch. Both sides are unbeaten in the Premier League this season, with Pep Guardiola’s team currently in top spot above the Gunners after claiming one more win than them.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have a few tough decisions to make, with Declan Rice returning from suspension and Raheem Sterling pushing for a starting place. The Spaniard must also decide whether to start Kai Havertz up front after dropping him into midfield for the trip to Atalanta on Thursday night.

And Express Sport takes a look at how the Gunners could line-up in the north west.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Man City (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Raya

David Raya proved his credentials once again on Thursday night as he produced a wonderful double save from an Atalanta penalty to earn his side a valuable point away from home in the Champions League. And the former Brentford shot-stopper may have a busy afternoon at the Etihad.

Defence: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber

Arsenal have had consistency in their backline this season and have conceded just one goal in their opening five games in all competitions. William Saliba and Gabriel established themselves as one of the best defensive partnerships in Europe last season and have been solid once again this term.

On the flanks, meanwhile, Jurrien Timber appears to have climbed to the top of the pecking order at left-back following his injury nightmare last season, while Ben White has continued to impress on the right.

Midfield: Partey, Jorginho, Rice

Arteta will welcome back Rice in midfield, with the England international missing the encounter with Tottenham last Sunday following his red card against Brighton at the end of August.

He could line up in midfield alongside Thomas Partey and Jorginho, with the Italian ace leading by example as he captained the Gunners in the north London derby.

Jorginho’s inclusion would allow the manager to name Havertz in attack, with the German looking threatening every time he plays as a central attacker.

Forwards: Saka, Sterling, Havertz

Bukayo Saka is usually the first name on the Arsenal team sheet and will be given the task of stretching the City defence and carving out goalscoring opportunities.

Meanwhile, Arteta could turn to Sterling on the left wing after the England winger came off the bench against Tottenham and Atalanta. Sterling bagged 131 goals during a seven-year spell at the Etihad and will have a point to prove on his return while Gabriel Martinelli has been below his best of late.

In the centre, Havertz will be asked to hold the ball up and take the pressure off his team-mates against one of the best possession-based teams the sport has ever seen.