Arsenal predicted XI v Man City: Mikel Arteta to hand debut to 27-year-old, £25m man misses out

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Premier League football returns this weekend after the international break and, for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, a tricky return to action beckons.

The Gunners will head to Manchester City for a Saturday evening kickoff, where Arteta will be hoping to overcome his former mentor once again.

While Arsenal were heavily beaten in their last Premier League meeting with the Citizens back in June, the North Londoners did triumph in their FA Cup semi-final tie en route to the trophy.

This term, meanwhile, the Gunners have picked up nine points from their opening four games, with Liverpool the only side to have beaten them in the league thus far.

So, who could Arteta pick for the game?

In goal, Bernd Leno is a shoe-in to start, but there’s an issue in defence due to Kieran Tierney unlikely to feature.

The £25million man’s likely enforced absence could mean a back three of Gabriel Magalhaes, David Luiz and Rob Holding.

At wing-back, Bukayo Saka could be asked to cover on the left, while Hector Bellerin is likely to remain on the right.

Now, the midfield, where arguably the most exciting recent development for Arsenal has taken place, namely Thomas Partey’s arrival and likely debut.

We feel the 27-year-old will be partnered with Dani Ceballos, both players capable of shielding the back three and providing the kind of progressive passing and movement the team needs.

Up front, meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to be deployed on the left, Willian on the right, and Alexandre Lacazette in the middle.

Arsenal predicted XI (3-4-3): Leno; Holding, Luiz, Gabriel; Bellerin, Partey, Ceballos, Saka; Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang