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Arsenal will host Manchester City in the 2020-21 Premier League on Sunday, a game the Gunners will want to win to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the game at the Etihad but could only win 1-0. Manchester City, who are on a 17-game winning streak, will be hard to stop.
Despite being in tenth place in the league table, Arsenal have some quality players in their ranks and can trouble the runaway leaders.
On that note, let’s take a look at five players from either side to watch out for when Arsenal and Manchester City lock horns on Sunday:
#1 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
The Manchester City talisman is back and will be itching to make up for lost time.
Kevin De Bruyne’s presence on the pitch will only add more control and precision to Manchester City, something they may not have missed much in recent weeks, though.
Manchester City already have a ten-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. With that massive buffer, there will be less pressure on De Bruyne to deliver instantly.
Early on in the season, Manchester City were heavily reliant on De Bruyne's creativity in the final third. But considering how well they have done as a unit, the Belgian will have a bit more freedom to perform against Arsenal.
Manchester City are likely to see a lot of the ball against Arsenal, who could sit deep and play on the break. So De Bruyne’s ability to find a pass could be key.
#2 Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka once again rescued Arsenal during their Europa League clash against Benfica on Thursday. He was one of the best Arsenal players on the pitch.
Manchester City’s rigid defence could be put to the test against Arsenal’s pace on the break. Saka, in particular, could trouble the league leaders with his driving runs and ability to skip past players.
Saka has been used by Arsenal on both flanks, but he has done more damage from the right. As an inverted winger, he can cut inside to find a reverse pass for an overlapping Hector Bellerin or thread a final ball to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The winger is behind Alexandre Lacazette and Aubameyang in the top goal-scorers list for Arsenal this season. So Manchester City can ill-afford to take Saka lightly on Sunday.
#3 Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Phil Foden, who is having arguably his best season for Manchester City, could have a stellar outing against Arsenal.
Foden has earned rave reviews for his performances in recent games. His work ethic and desire to get into the box have been immense, helping Manchester City at a time when they were bereft of any recognised forwards.
Manchester City’s strength under Pep Guardiola have always been pressing from the top and the brilliant combination play between the attackers. In this regard, the versatile Foden has particularly stood out.
Foden's appearances have predominantly come on the left wing, where the player has responded with outstanding displays.
#4 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The African had a woeful start to the season, scoring just two goals in 12 Premier League games, as Arsenal struggled to create openings. However, the Gunners have enjoyed a better run in front of goal of late, with Aubameyang particularly impressing.
Not the most vocal of leaders on the pitch, Aubameyang lets his football do the talking. He put up a show against Leeds United in his last Premier League game.
The former Borussia Dortmund star scored a sublime hat-trick as Arsenal beat Leeds United 4-2 to end his team's three-game winless run in the Premier League.
Aubameyang has the pace and can finish, and could be crucial for the Gunners on the break. Arsenal might not have too many openings against Manchester City, so Aubameyang will have to be efficient on the night.
#5 Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
When Kevin De Bruyne picked up an injury in January, there were doubts whether Manchester City could continue their good form. However, Ilkay Gundogan’s imperious form has seen him pick up the PFA Player of the Month award in January.
The German isn’t known for his goals, so a return of eight goals in his last nine games was a big surprise. His ability to ghost into the penalty box at the right time to find the back of the net is something Guardiola sorely needed, as Gabriel Jesus struggled for form.
Gundogan missed the game against Everton. But the Sky Blues did not need him, as they romped to a 3-1 win.
Arsenal are likely to play with more sturdiness at the back, so Gundogan’s presence and attacking runs could be crucial for Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
