It's the big one. Arguably the most important fixture hosted at the Emirates Stadium for many years is almost upon us as Arsenal face Manchester City in the Premier League.
To set the stage, it's a game that will almost certainly have a huge bearing on this season's title race - even if there's still a long way to go - as one side can deal the other a psychological blow with victory. Should the Gunners claim it they open up a six-point lead at the top of the table and with the luxury of a game in hand to boot.
However, should City emerge with all three points they will leapfrog Arsenal by virtue of a superior goal difference and recent history with regard to a Premier League title race worryingly points towards Pep Guardiola's side being almost impossible to dislodge when out in front.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on VAR, Gabriel Jesus recovery and Emile Smith Rowe fitness
Therefore, it's vital that Mikel Arteta gets his team selection correct. The north London outfit haven't won a game since that dramatic win over Manchester United last month and amongst some supporters, there have been one or two eyebrows raised in the direction of Gabriel Martinelli.
Without a goal this year, the 21-year-old was underwhelming in the 1-1 draw against Brentford at the weekend and his replacement that afternoon in Leandro Trossard actually broke the deadlock and in doing so may have handed the Gunners manager somewhat of a team selection dilemma.
Luckily, football.london's Arsenal writers Kaya Kaynak, Tom Canton and Tashan Deniran-Alleyne are on hand to offer their assistance to the Spanish tactician with regard to the big decision in attack. Below, they name their respective starting line-ups for the home side against Man City.
Kaya Kaynak - Chief Arsenal Writer
I think I'd look to go as strong as possible for this game. Mikel Arteta has got to a position where he's three points clear at the top of the league with a certain group, and I'd look to trust that group to extend it to six.
That means Aaron Ramsdale in the net even if he could have done better with Ivan Toney's goal. William Saliba and Gabriel would also keep their places, and even though Alex Zinchenko isn't firing on all cylinders right now, I reckon he's the guy for this occasion.
It's the same case over on the right where Ben White has to start for me. I like what Takehiro Tomiyasu will offer defensively, but it's a game where technical superiority will be king. For that reason the midfield three of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard also picks itself.
Up front Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka are obvious calls. You might say Leandro Trossard deserves a runout but as far as I'm concerned he didn't do that much different from Gabriel Martinelli aside from the goal. The Brazilian has been superb all season and decisive in big matches. I trust him to be so yet again.
Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Man City: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
Tom Canton - Arsenal Writer
The big one. I have surprised myself that I would consider making any changes to the established starting XI for the biggest game of the season but I cannot ignore what I believe to be a necessary tweak to the squad.
Everything remains the same bar the left wing role. Gabriel Martinelli has struggled and been relatively ineffectual in recent weeks meanwhile Leandro Trossard has entered the fray and both scored and shown real promise when given the opportunity to play.
His record against Manchester City is also good having scored a number of times against them for Brighton. Outside of the left wing though it remains the same with Ben White being the only other real potential switch but I am far less inclined to mess with the defence ahead of what is such a crucial game.
Arsenal will need to show some intensity that’s been somewhat lacking in the last couple fixtures and exploit the spaces that should be available to them against City. Mikel Arteta will be completely in tune with the game’s importance and we should be confident of getting the result we need.
Canton's Arsenal XI vs Man City: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Nketiah.
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne - Arsenal Writer
If you had asked me immediately after Saturday's draw with Brentford, I would have gone with Leandro Trossard to start over Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian, for me, hasn't been great since the World Cup as goals against West Ham and Brighton papered over some below-par performances.
Whereas Trossard obviously opened his account at the weekend, has posed a threat when coming off the bench and did catch the eye in the FA Cup meeting between the two sides last month - particularly giving John Stones a few problems in the first-half before fading after the break.
However, after watching City against Aston Villa, Martinelli should keep his place in the starting line-up. Mostly for his pace and directness as those two qualities can unsettle the visitors and then it's just a question of can he remain composed if a scoring opportunity arises.
The rest of the team picks itself with Ben White keeping Takehiro Tomiyasu out once again, Oleksandr Zinchenko lining up against his former club, Thomas Partey anchoring the midfield, Eddie Nketiah leading the line and a return for Reiss Nelson amongst the substitutes.
Deniran-Alleyne's Arsenal XI vs Man City: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Thomas, Odegaard, Xhaka; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Who gets into your starting XI? Use our team selector below and leave a comment to have your say.
READ NEXT:
Arsene Wenger delivers honest verdict on Premier League title race ahead of Arsenal vs Man City
Full Man City squad revealed for Arsenal clash amid Erling Haaland injury latest
Four lessons Arsenal must learn from last Man City clash to hold Premier League title advantage
How Arsenal can secure dream Champions League scenario after UEFA announcement
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
