Mikel Arteta has been busy preparing his players for their most important game of the season. Arsenal take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night in a game that could decide who goes on to win the Premier League title.
The Gunners hold a five-point advantage over City heading into the game - but Pep Guardiola's side have two games in hand on Arsenal. Arteta's side have dropped points in their last three fixtures after drawing against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton.
William Saliba is set to miss the clash against City after Arteta offered a worrying update on the Frenchman's recovery from injury. Granit Xhaka remains a doubt for the Gunners' trip to the Etihad Stadium after he missed the 3-3 draw against the Saints.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola tells Mikel Arteta how Arsenal can stop Erling Haaland ahead of Man City clash
As Arsenal prepare for a huge test against City, football.london takes a look at four things spotted from training ahead of their potential Premier League title decider.
Ben White and Bukayo Saka battle
Bukayo Saka and Ben White were pictured racing each other during training as the squad were clearly in good spirits despite a setback against Southampton at the weekend. White and Saka have formed a brilliant partnership down the right-wing this term after the former transitioned into a right-back role following the return of Saliba at the start of the season.
Saka continues to prove himself as the main man at the Emirates Stadium and is having his best season yet for the Gunners. White is clearly no slouch in a foot race, however, as he was pictured ahead of his Arsenal and England team-mate in one particular training drill.
The Gunners' duo will be crucial in helping the Premier League leaders take all three points against City as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Fabio Vieira team news hint
Fabio Vieira started in place of Xhaka against the Saints but struggled to make an impact on the game, which ended in both teams sharing the points. The Portuguese playmaker has had to play a rotation role in Arteta's squad this term after arriving from Porto in the summer transfer window.
Vieira was seen wearing a pink bib during training, suggesting he may be dropped for the game against City. Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey are likely to remain in the starting XI, with Jorginho a potential replacement in the team for Vieira.
Granit Xhaka missing
Granit Xhaka was not pictured taking part in training ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium suggesting he will miss the game alongside William Saliba. The Swiss midfielder was sorely missed against Southampton and his absence against City will come as a huge blow.
When asked if Xhaka will be available in his press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Arteta responded: "Granit has been out.
"Hopefully, he’ll be able to train today but he’s still a doubt. The rest are OK."
Possible change in formation
Whilst Vieira was seen wearing a pink bib, along with the likes of Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah, Jorginho was not. This suggests the Italian midfielder could replace the Portuguese playmaker in the starting line-up that faces City tomorrow night.
Jorginho will be a crucial asset in helping Arsenal control and dictate the game at the Etihad Stadium and Arteta may look to switch formations to protect the defence, with the Italy international lining up alongside Thomas Partey in a defensive midfield role. This would see Martin Odegaard have more attacking freedom and help threaten City's defence in the hope of taking all three points from the fixture.
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