Why Gabriel Martinelli misses out on Arsenal XI vs Man City as Bukayo Saka starts
Gabriel Martinelli has made the squad for the clash against Manchester City but Arsenal will be without the Brazilian from their starting XI with the winger not deemed fit enough yet to start. Gabriel Jesus comes into the side on the left with Kai Havertz through the middle.
The big boosts for Mikel Arteta come in the form of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes who are both available from the start despite pulling out of international duty. Martinelli missed the last two Arsenal games against Porto and Brentford after suffering a deep cut against Sheffield United.
Despite fighting back, he sadly has not been deemed fit enough to start the game but just like in the first clash at home, he could make another impact from the bench. He scored the winning goal at the Emirates in a 1-0 win.
Arteta will be very pleased however to have both Saka and Gabriel. Man City meanwhile are without Kyle Walker and Ederson, although John Stones has made himself available from the bench should he be needed.
David Raya starts in goal with the usual back four in front. Jakub Kiwior will be tasked with locking down Bernardo Silva whilst Ben White needs to deal with Phil Foden.
Jorginho joins Declan Rice in midfield and Martin Odegaard continues as captain as expected. All will need to be on their best form to be able to secure a vital three points for the first time under Arteta at the Etihad Stadium.
Starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Jesus
Subs: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Partey, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Trossard, Nketiah, Martinelli
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