Riyad Mahrez gave Pep Guardiola plenty to think about with a wonderful hat-trick against Sheffield United on Saturday and Manchester City fans are backing him to start against Arsenal this evening.
City welcome Mikel Arteta's side to the Etihad for what looks set to be a defining night in the Premier League title race. The Blues are currently five points off their rivals but have two games in hand, knowing just a point this evening will keep the title in their hands.
Arsenal head north after three disappointing draws, including last Friday's dramatic 3-3 at home to Southampton. City have had a day's less rest but cruised past Sheffield United in their FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.
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Mahrez was the star of that Wembley clash and City supporters have backed the Algerian to keep his place. Pep Guardiola had opted for Bernardo Silva in both of City's Champions League meetings with Bayern Munich, with the suggestion being he preferred the Portugal international for the biggest occasions.
But after Saturday's brilliant performance, Blues fans have urged Guardiola to stick with Mahrez and see his momentum carry through. That will likely be the only point of debate across the front three, with the decision unanimous that Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland complete the trio.
And supporters have gone for a tried and trusted trio in midfield as well, with Rodri marshalling the middle of the park while Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan roam further forward. They have all started at least 26 of City's 30 Premier League games, proof of Guardiola's trust in them.
City's only major injury concern comes in defence, with Nathan Ake out after suffering a hamstring injury against Bayern Munich last week. The Dutchman came off the bench in the FA Cup win over Arsenal to manage an electric Bukayo Saka, but Guardiola will not have the luxury this time round.
There would be an argument for Rico Lewis to come in, and Guardiola would have no concerns fielding the 18-year-old in such a huge occasion, but with Saka to contend with fans have gone for the experienced Aymeric Laporte. Apart from that, it is normal service resumed as Ederson starts behind Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and John Stones, the latter pushing into midfield as he has done so comfortably.
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