Arsenal starting XI vs Man City: Mikel Arteta to make 2 big Arsenal changes, Kepa in for Raya; Odegaard in contention with Havertz decision and big cup final changes…

Mikel Arteta is set to implement two significant changes for Arsenal against Manchester City as a £5m player makes his return.

Arsenal’s anticipated starting lineup against Manchester City includes a decision on Havertz and notable alterations for the cup final.

Kepa Arrizabalaga will take over from David Raya in the Arsenal starting eleven as they face Manchester City at Wembley for the EFL Cup final on Sunday. Arsenal is determined to break their lengthy trophy drought and secure the EFL Cup when they clash with Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday evening. Mikel Arteta has received encouraging updates regarding team news ahead of this crucial match.

Martin Odegaard [knee] and Jurrien Timber [muscular] are both in the running to play against Manchester City this weekend. The pair will undergo late fitness assessments to confirm their availability.

Mikel Merino remains a long-term absentee, as the Spanish international is in recovery from a foot injury. Additionally, during his pre-match press conference, Arteta shared fitness updates on Odegaard and Timber.

The Arsenal manager stated, “We have another training session [on Saturday], so hopefully those in contention can provide us with good news. We have one more session, so let’s see if they [Odegaard and Timber] can be ready.”

In his press conference, Arteta also addressed whether Kepa Arrizabalaga would start instead of David Raya in goal. He discussed the implications of changing goalkeepers as well. The Spanish coach remarked, “We will assess how everyone is [after training on Saturday], and then we’ll make our decision.”

The Arsenal manager further commented, “No, because we don’t sense that among the players. We have great trust in our teammates, especially when you consider the quality of the goalkeepers we currently have at Arsenal. They have played at the highest level with other clubs and possess the experience to handle any situation.”

Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to take over from David Raya as the goalkeeper, with Arsenal adopting a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him for their match against Manchester City on Sunday. The defense will consist of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Piero Hincapie.

In the midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi will form the double pivot. Eberechi Eze will take on the no. 10 position, while Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard will operate as the two wide forwards. Leading the attack for the North London side against Manchester City will be Viktor Gyokeres. Additionally, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Odegaard will serve as substitutes on the bench for the Gunners.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres