Date: Sunday 31st March, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm
Stadium Etihad Stadium
Referee Anthony Taylor (England)
Goal Scorer:
Manchester City
Both Guardiola and Arteta have been counting the cost of the international break - amid eyebrow raises from sceptical supporters upon every withdrawal - and the former confirmed a devastating double blow in his pre-game press conference on Friday.
England duo Kyle Walker and John Stones have been ruled out of the game by the Citizens manager, although Manuel Akanji - who withdrew from Switzerland duty - is doing fine, while first-choice goalkeeper Ederson is also "much better" and could return in between the posts.
There was no update on the knock that Matheus Nunes picked up on Portugal duty, but Kevin De Bruyne - a frequent tormentor of Arsenal's with eight goals and five assists from 20 games against them - has trained "really well" and is expected to be given the thumbs-up. Jack Grealish is fit again too, but a spot on the bench beckons for the Englishman.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Ake; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Doku
Arsenal
As City players dropped like flies over the international break, so did a handful of Arsenal's key troops, as Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes and England winger Bukayo Saka both withdrew from their countries' camps before playing a game.
Gabriel Martinelli - scorer of Arsenal's solitary goal in October's win over Man City - was already a known absentee with his foot wound, although Arteta is hopeful that all three will be able to shake off their niggles in time to reprise their regular starting roles; he confirmed on Friday that there was a "chance" for all three of them.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey are also expected to be available after facing Queens Park Rangers in a behind-closed-doors friendly during the international break, potentially leaving ACL victim Jurrien Timber as their only absentee, but the Dutchman is on course to play again before the season draws to a close.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
If Plan A Fails, Try 25 Others - Regina Daniels Returns To The Gram With Daring Statement
Rwanda v Nigeria: CAF World Cup Qualifying Match,Team News,Goal Scorers and Stats
“Lost All I Had In Scam, Failed Investment” – Mr Macaroni Reveals Financial Struggles
NYSC DG Confirms Payment of N77,000 Monthly Allowance to Corps Members Will Start in March
VIDEO; "Why You Need to Dump Your Girlfriend And Focus On Your Life" – Geh Geh Tells Young Men
PHOTO; Nigerian Man's 30th Wedding Anniversary Post To Wife Sparks Confusion