Saka and Martinelli start as Gabriel partners Saliba in dream Arsenal line-up vs Manchester City
There are so many questions as Arsenal head into the weekend's clash with Manchester City. The game has been rightfully billed as something of a title decider with the Gunners having the chance to put four points between themselves and their Premier League rivals with Liverpool hoping for the spoils to be shared.
The reason behind the number of uncertainties lies in the international break and the lead-up to it having such a dramatic impact on both squads. Ahead of the domestic interruption, Manchester City lost both Ederson and Kevin De Bruyne with both unable to play for their respective nations, while Arsenal saw Gabriel Martinelli withdraw from duty following a cut against Sheffield United.
During the break, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes both pulled out with precautionary minor issues. Kyle Walker, John Stones and Manuel Akanji all picked up issues while playing, which may have created a defensive nightmare for Pep Guardiola.
From an Arsenal perspective, though, the return of their three key players will be a massive boost and certainly in a dream scenario all feature. David Raya played only 45 minutes for Spain as he continues to be the No.2 option to Unai Simon.
In defence, had you have asked me with all but Jurrien Timber available who my starting left back for the trip to City would have been, I'd have previously been shocked to have learned Jakub Kiwior is the clear favourite. The Pole started both Euro qualifiers and played 120-plus minutes in the final before watching his teammates knock out Wales on penalties.
William Saliba may not yet be completely appreciated by Didier Deschamps but he doesn't need to be as long he is fit for Arsenal. Gabriel's recovery is hoped for with the centre-half's win success when
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