Arsenal, like Manchester City, will be going into Friday night's FA Cup clash looking to prove a point against their nearest Premier League title challengers.
Following the clash, it will be another week until the Gunners are next in action so it is not a necessity for them to rest players. Unlike City, Arsenal have limited options to freshen up their starting line-up without weakening themselves severely and thus MEN Sport expects Mikel Arteta to keep changes to a minimum.
What we know is that former Blues striker Gabriel Jesus and midfielder Mohamed Elneny are both out through injury. With that in mind, here is how the Gunners are expected to line up at the Etihad Stadium.
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Goalkeeper - Matt Turner
Turner started against Oxford United in the last round and looks to be the Gunners' cup 'keeper this season. It would take illness or injury to stop the American starting on Friday with Aaron Ramsdale expected to be rested.
Defenders - Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney
Having struggled to give him regular minutes this season, Arteta may use the FA Cup as an opportunity for Tierney to have a run-out. The Scottish defender has found it difficult to take Oleksandr Zinchenko's place in the squad this season.
The rest of the back line stays the same from the victory over Manchester United. Do not be surprised if Rob Holding makes an appearance for either Gabriel or Gabriel.
Midfielders - Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Granit Xhaka
It is widely agreed that the key to Arsenal's success this season has been Thomas Partey and it seems doubtful that Arteta would risk him in a cup match. With the Gunners wanting to give Tierney more minutes, it would make sense to move Zinchenko into the midfield.
You would expect the Ukrainian to get a warm reception from the home crowd so it would be harsh to deny him that. With Partey rested, Odegaard and Xhaka would keep their places to continue that familiarity running through the squad.
Forwards - Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard
With Jesus on the sidelines, Arteta has little choice but to start Nketiah as the centre forward. Trossard was given a brief outing on Sunday and showed that he is more than ready for his first Arsenal start.
Saka, meanwhile, is in brilliant form and Arteta will be wanting to carry on that momentum in the FA Cup.
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