Arsenal's French-born Ivorian midfielder Nicolas Pepe (2nd R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 4, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal face another huge test as they visit the Etihad to take on Manchester City. Mikel Arteta will be squaring up against his mentor Pep Guardiola as he looks to outwit him again. The Gunners are in good form, with their last win coming against Sheffield United.
City, on the other hand, will be hoping to bounce back after two games without a win as Leeds held them to a draw last time. It promises to be an entertaining fixture given the two heavyweights involved.
With such a huge game approaching, Arteta will be scratching his head due to doubts over a few of his first-team players. Kieran Tierney might make the cut but was required to self-quarantine. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also facing a race against time to be fit for the clash.
Elsewhere, Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers, Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel Martinelli remain out with injuries. New signing Thomas Partey could well be in line to start for his new club.
Leno is now the undisputed number one at the club and keeps his place with the gloves.
Kieran Tierney is in contention to feature in this game so if he’s available, he is a sure starter.
Everyone knows what transpired when Luiz faced off against City last season. The defender will be hoping to avoid anything close to that.
Gabriel has settled in well at the backline and keeps his place. He has been solid for the Gunners so far.
Bellerin is the first-choice for Arteta and should keep his place in the side.
The newest and very important addition from Atletico will likely get his debut. Could be the perfect fixture to introduce himself to the Premier League.
The silky playmaker will be in charge of providing creativity through the middle for his side.
Should be able to play in a bit more advanced role, now that Partey is there to shore up the defence.
A lot of eyes will be on Aubameyang as he picked up a knock on international duty. The captain will be Arsenal’s main attacking threat.
Lacazette is likely to return as a starter after Eddie Nketiah featured last time. He is in good touch and will be hoping to bag a few more goals.
While Willian might have been a good option for this high-profile game, Pepe has his scoring boots on and might get the nod ahead of the experienced Brazilian.
