Manchester City and Arsenal have confirmed their starting lineups ahead of today’s blockbuster clash at the Etihad Stadium. The top of the table clash will see two title rivals face off in a game that could have massive implications on this season’s title race.
For Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, they’ll have to face Arsenal without Kyle Walker and John Stones. The pair picked up injuries on international duty and will miss today’s massive match. It is a blow for the world champions given how important the pair are to the Manchester City setup. Although it is a blow for the treble winners, there is enough quality in the City squad to cover the absence of the duo.
Arsenal will head to the Etihad full of confidence. Before the weekend began, they sat on top of the table on goal difference from Liverpool. Manchester City sits a point behind in third, which makes today’s game a massive occasion.
Mikel Arteta does have his own injury concerns ahead of today’s game. Marc Mayo reports for the Standard that Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, and Gabriel Martinelli are all in doubt for today’s game.
Here are the starting lineups ahead of today’s crucial Premier League encounter.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has made two changes to the team that beat Newcastle 2-nil in the FA Cup quarter-final. In comes Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake to the starting lineup. Out goes Kyle Walker and Jeremy Doku. Walker is out with due to a hamstring injury, and Doku drops to the bench.
The biggest question mark for Manchester City was who would start in goal. Stefan Ortega gets the nod in goal ahead of Ederson, who hasn’t recovered from the thigh injury he sustained against Liverpool.
Another shock was John Stones inclusion in the match day squad. The defender was expected to miss today’s game, but he takes his place on the bench.
Starting lineup: Stefan Ortega, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodri, Kovacic, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo Silva, Foden, Haaland.
Substitutes: Carson, Stones, Grealish, Doku, Alvarez, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis.
Ho Citylinee up today 🩵
XI | Ortega, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Kovacic, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo,Foden, Haaland
SUBS | Carson, Stones, Grealish, Doku, Alvarez, Gomez, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.co//g9HsxaGaqK
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 31, 2024
Arsenal
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
One change from last time out against FC Porto – Jesus replaces Trossard
Let’s make it count, Gunners 👊 pic.twitter.com/D41CTze0jS
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 31, 2024
