Three key battles ahead of Manchester City’s trip to top-four rivals Arsenal

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Hector Bellerin vs Leroy Sane

Amid rumours linking Hector Bellerin to Barcelona, the Spaniard still continues to play a key part for Arsenal. The right-back has appeared 22 times this campaign, contributing to Arsenal’s defensive and offensive play. Bellerin has beaten his opponent on 33 occasions throughout the season and is often the provider of deadly crosses.

The Spaniard’s opponent this weekend is Leroy Sane, a player who is not renowned for his defensive contribution. The German winger will be pushed out his comfort zone at the Emirates, with Bellerin’s rampaging runs set to force him into tracking back and assisting his side in their own half of the pitch.

However, Sane will also provide a test for the Arsenal right-back to deal with. Having beaten his man 61% of the time this season, his dribbling ability has been a key part of City’s attacking play.

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The German also makes darting runs, as Bellerin will be well aware of. In the reverse fixture, the former Schalke player sped through a gap between Bellerin and Gabriel to latch on to David Silva’s through ball and score.