Arsenal are still in control of their own destiny in the Premier League title race but will need a win over Manchester City on Wednesday if they want to keep that control.
A run of three straight draws has invited City back into a title race that many felt was over just a few months ago, and the Gunners must snap that slump on perhaps the toughest stage in Europe right now to regain their footing.
Here’s how Mikel Arteta could set up for this battle.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale – Ramsdale’s 12 clean sheets this season put him third in the Golden Glove race behind Nick Pope (13) and David de Gea (14).
RB: Ben White – White’s naturally defensive instincts could be key up against an in-form Jack Grealish.
CB: Rob Holding – William Saliba’s back injury isn’t progressing as hoped and the much-criticised Holding now has the challenge of stopping Erling Haaland. No pressure.
CB: Gabriel – The Brazilian has looked a little shaky without his usual partner but will need to rediscover his imperious form soon.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – The former City man knows all about these high-pressure games and must find a way to transfer that experience to his teammates.
DM: Jorginho – Granit Xhaka has been unwell and out of training, and after the Fabio Vieira experiment failed against Southampton, expect Jorginho to get the nod,
CM: Thomas Partey – Partey will have to cover a lot of ground to contend with the duo of John Stones and Rodri.
CM: Martin Odegaard – The captain will be desperate to end his five-game losing streak against City and will relish the chance to lead his team to a famous victory.
RW: Bukayo Saka – City have long been admirers of Saka, but the academy graduate will not be viewing this as an audition.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – A four-time Premier League champion with City, it’s now over to Jesus to prevent his former employers from adding another trophy.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – Just one more goal will see Martinelli break Roberto Firmino’s record for the most prolific Premier League season by a Brazilian. The winger currently sits level on 15.
