'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Riyad Mahrez vs Ainsley Maitland-Niles
On target for Algeria during the international break, Riyad Mahrez will definitely be one of the most dangerous goalscoring threats of this game. The 29-year-old is extremely accurate with his passing and his crosses.
In all 13 matches played against the Gunners, Mahrez has scored once and provided two assists. His most recent assist came when Guardiola's side overcame Arsenal 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium in June.
Initially deemed to be out of favour, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has worked his way back into the squad and has finally found a position he could excel in. In recent cup competitions against Chelsea and Manchester City, the Englishman had done a superb job of marking his opponents and keeping danger out of his team's penalty box.
Although he might not be as creative as Saka, the 23-year-old is certainly seen as the sturdier defender and could be called into action in Tierney's absence. Faced with the lightning-paced Mahrez, Maitland-Niles would need to stay focused throughout the match and deny the Algerian of any opportunity to have the ball.
#2 Raheem Sterling vs Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal's new signing Gabriel Magalhaes has proven to be a great buy thus far. Integrated straight into the starting line-up against Fulham on the opening matchday, the former Lille defender netted his first goal for the club and earned the Arsenal Player of the Month award for September.
With an average passing accuracy of 93% and three clearances per game, the Brazilian will be tasked to defend against Raheem Sterling, who pulled out of Gareth Southgate's squad. The English striker cited a hamstring injury but according to the Guardian, he is expected to be fit against the Gunners.
At the moment, Sterling is this season's top scorer for Manchester City, with three goals in all competitions. During Arteta's time as the assistant manager of City, he shared a close relationship with Sterling and sparked his career renaissance.
Knowing the player in and out, the Spaniard must be able to warn Arsenal's defenders of the centre-forward's threat.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne vs Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey participated in his first Arsenal training session on Thursday. Depending on how well the midfielder adapts, Partey could play a role against Manchester City. As such, one of the most exciting battles between the two clubs will be in the midfield, where Kevin De Bruyne faces the former Atletico Madrid man.
Just a couple of days ago, De Bruyne withdrew from the Belgium squad, sparking concerns that the playmaker might not be able to face the Gunners. However, Guardiola's fears seem to have been allayed after it was revealed that there was no major injury. Instead, the 29-year-old left the Belgium squad early due to fitness concerns.
Many have applauded the Gunners' efforts to sign Partey on Deadline Day but it remains to be seen how Arteta is able to make the best out of him. Known for his defensive contributions, Partey's discipline could help reinforce and strengthen Arsenal's midfield.
If Partey does play and excel against the Manchester City, fans can confidently say that Arteta has solved the puzzle, and Arsenal could well be on track for a top-four finish.
