Mikel Arteta has £45m Bukayo Saka alternative amid Manchester City injury concern

There can be little doubting that this weekend's game is the biggest of Arsenal's season so far. It feels like we've said this almost every week since the turn of the year, but it doesn't get much more important than a trip to Manchester City.

Arsenal head into the game at the head of a thrilling three way title race. They are clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table on goal difference alone, and just one point ahead of City in third.

Still though, the odds are against Mikel Arteta's side. Most have them as third favourites due to a run in that sees them face a raft of tough away games.

The first of these is at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday. Arsenal's record there is appalling. Under Mikel Arteta they have travelled to City five times and been beaten by an aggregate score of 14-1. Even before Arteta's arrival, their last win there was nearly a decade ago.

Few will have the Gunners as favourites going into this weekend. Their chances of winning may be diminished even further if they are without arguably their most important player.

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Bukayo Saka was withdrawn from England duty over the international break after arriving at St. George's Park with a minor muscle complaint. The 22-year-old has 16 goals and 13 assists in just 37 appearances this season so far. The only younger player in Europe's top five leagues with more goal contributions is Jude Bellingham. He has been a near ever-present for Arsenal missing just one Premier League all season.

That, of course, was against City in the reverse fixture in north London. Back in October,