Manchester City looked close to their best on Sunday as they beat Aston Villa 3-1 at the Etihad, and will be hoping for a similar display when the Premier League champions travel to Arsenal on Wednesday.
The Blues head to the capital trailing Mikel Arteta’s side by three points in the title race, but will overtake Arsenal with a win at the Emirates. And Pep Guardiola will have a number of tactical and selection decisions to make ahead of the game.
The City boss may opt to recall Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake for the midweek clash, while Guardiola could think about deploying Bernardo Silva in a different role after the No.20 played a hybrid midfield/left-back role against Villa.
Ruben Dias was taken off at half-time at the weekend but is likely to be fit for the clash with Arsenal, while Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte are options.
In midfield, Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne will almost certainly start, alongside two of Ilkay Gundogan and Silva. All four played against Villa, but Guardiola looks likely to revert to type for such a high-profile game.
In the attacking areas, Haaland is likely to be fit after he came off at half-time over the weekend with a ‘kick’. “We train this afternoon. Right now I don’t know [about Haaland’s availability],” Guardiola said on Tuesday. “Yesterday was about recovery from Aston Villa. That’s all.”
In the wide areas, two of Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are expected to start, although Julian Alvarez is another option.
1. GK: Ederson
Not missed a league game this season and , barring any last-minute injury, will start.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
Played well at the weekend against Villa and likely to play above Lewis.
3. CB: Manuel Akanji
Came on for the second half at the weekend and is Guardiola’s go-to choice at the back.
4. CB: Aymeric Laporte
If Akanji starts, a left-footer is likely to play alongside him.