Arsenal line-ups vs Man City : Trossard and Lewis-Skelly split, Nwaneri starts as Mikel Arteta make six changes for Arsenal’s crucial encounter with Manchester City…

Arsenal line-ups vs Man City as Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly split, Nwaneri starts.

Arsenal team news: Projected XI vs Man City as Arteta implements six changes for pivotal match

Mikel Arteta is set to implement six changes for Arsenal’s significant match against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Arsenal manager will reinstate his rested players into the starting lineup as he prepares for this vital clash with Manchester City.

Arteta opted to give William Saliba a rare break during the 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League midweek, resting several key players for that match in Catalonia.

Now, the focus shifts to facing the reigning Premier League champions, a team Arsenal has only managed to defeat once in their last seven league encounters at the Emirates.

With his key players refreshed after their time off, Arteta aims to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool in this title race.

Arsenal projected XI vs Man City (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Arteta received a concerning preview of what Arsenal might face if Raya is unable to play on Sunday, as Neto struggled during his debut against Girona.

If Raya is not fit to start, the Brazilian had a challenging evening, making a poor decision to come off his line, which allowed Arnaut Danjuma to score the opening goal.

The Arsenal manager did not provide any assurances regarding his first-choice goalkeeper’s availability, stating: “It’s a muscular issue so we have to wait and see.”

However, following Neto’s unfortunate mistake, the Spaniard may have to take a risk on Raya’s fitness, as inexperienced youngsters Tommy Setford and Jack Porter are not prepared to step in for such a critical match.

Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori

Saliba, who was rested during the midweek victory over Girona, is expected to return to the starting lineup, with Jakub Kiwior making way.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is now eligible for selection following the successful appeal against his red card received in the match against Wolves.

Nevertheless, the 18-year-old may find himself on the bench due to the significance of the upcoming match, providing Calafiori with another opportunity to secure his position in the lineup.

Timber will maintain his role at right-back as Ben White continues to recover from knee surgery performed in November. Arteta confirmed, “Ben is definitely out, hasn’t trained with us yet, so he will not be available.”

In the midfield, the lineup includes Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard.

Rice was the only member of Arteta’s preferred trio not to start in the match against Girona, coming on as a substitute late in the game.

This suggests that the £105 million midfielder is likely to start after being rested, with Mikel Merino expected to make way.

Partey filled in at right-back in Timber’s absence during that match, but he may revert to midfield, replacing Jorginho.

The forward line will feature Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard.

Trossard played as a false nine in the Champions League fixture, but he is anticipated to return to the left flank to accommodate Havertz’s reintegration into the squad.

Ethan Nwaneri, the promising teenager, scored an impressive goal on Wednesday, but the 17-year-old’s playing time will be managed cautiously due to a recent muscle injury.

He may come on later if Arsenal requires a goal, but Martinelli is likely to reclaim his starting position.

Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka are both considered long-term injuries and will not be included in the squad.