Its three points or nothing. If we dont win or draw this game we will go into the international break with zero points and in the relegation zone. Although the table is not decided in August, a negative result at Man City will impact the rest of our season. A win will set us up right, off course the fans want to win but I want this win more for the players. I want them to go into the break with a little bit of confidence so that they come out firing.

Arteta has a very bad record against Pep. they met five times, beating him only once, drawing once and losing the other 3. But its always a good game when the student goes up against the teacher and I’m hoping its the student that comes off top this time around. Now with the team selection I hope Arteta goes strong.

Who is missing?

Arsenal will still be without Thomas Partey. Gabriel is back in training but he is likely to not be available for selection yet. Nketiah is still out as well. Ben White tested positive for Covid-19 and will also be out.

Potential lineup:

GK:
Ramsdale had a comfortable debut against West Brom in the Carabao Cup but Bernd Leno should return to the position for this game. Leno is still the number 1 and Ramsdale has a lot of work to do to push him out.

DF:
We should expect Pablo Mari, Cedric and Tierney to return to the backline with Holding keeping his place.

MF:
Lokonga was rested against West Brom and should be fine to come back in next to Granit Xhaka. I’m also axpecting Odegaard to keep his place in the number 10 position.

FW:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was looking very sharp on Wednesday and expect him to start this game as the center forward. On the wings I expect Smith Rowe to come in at left wing and Pepe at right wing. Bukayo Saka picked up a knock and could be an effective 60 minute substitute in the game. Lacazette also deserve a shot from the bench as well as Martinelli.