Team News: Takehiro Tomiyasu starts for Arsenal against Manchester City

Takehiro Tomiyasu has been named in the starting lineup for Arsenal's clash with Manchester City at the Emirates.

The former Bologna defender has been struggling with a knock in the past couple of weeks and was also infected with coronavirus over the Christmas period.

However, Tomiyasu has been passed fit to start at right-back for the Gunners on New Year's Day, with Rob Holding dropping out of the XI as Ben White returns to the heart of defence.

The rest of the Arsenal XI has a familiar feel to it, with Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel and Kieran Tierney all featuring in the backline against the Citizens.

Granit Xhaka - who was sent off in this fixture at the Etihad back in August - starts in midfield alongside Thomas Partey, with the in-form Martin Odegaard featuring further forward.

Emile Smith Rowe once again features on the bench as Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka hold their places, while Alexandre Lacazette retains his place up top with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still not involved and Eddie Nketiah out with COVID-19.

Arsenal starting lineup: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette