How Manchester City could line up against Arsenal

Manchester City will be looking for a quick response this weekend when they welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium.

The Citizens were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United in midweek to see the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool grow by a further point.

Pep Guardiola's side now have three difficult matches to navigate in the space of a week, with games against Everton and Chelsea to follow this big showdown with Arsenal.

Ahead of Sunday's meeting in Manchester, Sports Mole looks at how the champions could line up.

Out: Vincent Kompany (muscle), Claudio Bravo (Achilles) Doubtful: Ederson (leg), Benjamin Mendy (knee)

City could be without Ederson for their tough run of fixtures as the Brazilian sustained a cut on his leg in the build-up to Matt Ritchie firing home a penalty in Newcastle's midweek win.

Ederson played through the pain barrier but City may have to turn to 20-year-old Aro Muric if the Brazilian needs time to recover, though Guardiola will of course give his first-choice stopper every chance of being fit.

Kompany and Bravo remain on the sidelines, but Mendy should be OK to return to action this weekend after sitting out the loss at St James' Park, giving him 11 days' rest between matches.

Guardiola should also have his preferred midfield trio of David Silva, Fernandinho and Kevin De Bruyne available for selection, and the front three also tends to pick itself, although Riyad Mahrez will be pushing for a recall.

One man who appears certain to start up top is Sergio Aguero, who has scored in seven of his last 11 matches against Arsenal in all competitions.

> Click here to see how Arsenal could line up for this fixture