The international break comes crashing to an end at lunchtime on Saturday with a mega match between two Premier League title contenders.
Arsenal welcome Manchester City to the Emirates, for a match between seventh and fourth in the fledging new season.
Following the international break, Arsenal’s biggest injury concern centres of midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who suffered an ankle injury late in Wales’ 2-1 win over Andorra.
Ramsey has tried to allay fans’ fears saying “I’ll be alright. I rolled my ankle a bit. Hopefully I’ll be ready for Saturday. I’m looking forward to it”. Whether that will be enough convincing for Arsene Wenger is a matter for debate.
The match against City should also see Arsenal give a debut to deadline day purchase Danny Welbeck. Following his brace for England in Switzerland Welbeck is set to start for the Gunners in a central attacking role, while Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla offer support from midfield.
As for Man City, Manuel Pellegrini could be set to shake up his team after their shock 1-0 defeat to Stoke just before the international break.
In midfield, Fernandinho may come in for Fernando, who limped off in the first half against Stoke, while Stevan Jovetic and Pablo Zabaleta are both doubts for the trip to the Emirates.
The match will also see City right back Bacary Sagna make his first appearance against the Gunners since his move away from Arsenal in the summer, whilst Samir Nasri is another player likely to play against his former employers.
So what can we expect?
Arsenal are unbeaten this season, but have won just 1 of the opening 3 games of the campaign, whilst City will be intent on getting the three points at one of their rivals, particularly after their defeat to Stoke last time out.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side secured a 1-1 draw with the north London side in this fixture last season, and another tight match is likely.
Romantics may be backing Danny Welbeck to lead Arsenal to a narrow victory, however, with Aguero, Dzeko and Silva in attack, Man City could end up shading it.
Source: DSG
