Arsenal vs Man City: How the Citizens Could Line Up Without Erling Haaland Ahead of Emirates Showdown

• Manchester City could miss the services of Erling Haaland when they take on Arsenal on Wednesday night
• Haaland has been one of City's standouts this season, thanks to the Norwegian's start to life in the Premier League
• However, the star forward could miss what has been touted as the most crucial fixture in Man City's title defence

Pep Guardiola is facing a huge squad selection headache ahead of Manchester City's trip to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, February 15.

The top-of-the-table Premier League encounter has been touted as a potential decider on how this season's title race could pan out.

There are only three points separating the two English giants on the summit, with victory enough to help City capture the top spot.

However, the tie is not expected to be an easy one for either side, with the Gunners desperate to get their campaign back on track.

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Arsenal have endured a somewhat rough patch in recent days, with Mikel Arteta's charges dropping points in two of their most recent fixtures.

Before then, the north Londoners had collected an incredible 50 points from 19.

Therefore, considering the significance of the Wednesday night clash, both managers will be keen to parade strong teams that can secure them a positive result.

Pep's Erling Haaland headache

Erling Haaland is no doubt Pep Guardiola's biggest headache ahead of his side's trip to the capital.

The City summer signing is believed to a be a doubt for the clash after he suffered an injury during their weekend meeting with Aston Villa.

The star forward collided with Villa's Emi Martinez midway through the first half and had to be withdrawn as he was unable to see out the rest of the match.

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While he was spotted in training at the start of the week, it remains to be seen if Guardiola will have him back in the team on Wednesday.

Man City without Haaland

Haaland is undoubtedly one of City's most important players at the moment.

However, should Pep miss his services on Wednesday, the Spaniard would still be keen to name a strong team for the trip.

The Man City boss has an array of stars who can form a formidable side, thanks to the team's squad.

In that regard, Pep could settle for a 4-3-3 formation, with youngster Julian Alvarez leading the goal hunt.

The Argentine could be joined by Riyadh Mahrez on the right wing, with Jack Grealish potentially starting ahead of Phil Foden on the left flank.

In midfield, Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne could make a return to the starting XI, with Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri joining him in the middle of the park.

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Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias could start in the heart of defence, with Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker taking their places on either flanks.

Brazilian keeper Ederson will no doubt keep his place between the sticks as he seeks to shut out the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, and Martin Odegaard.

Man City's predicted XI

Goalkeeper: Ederson

Defenders: Ake, Laporte, Dias, Walker

Midfielders: Gundogan, De Bruyne, Rodri

Forwards: Grealish, Alvarez, Mahrez

Neville predicts Arsenal vs City

Sports Brief also reported on Gary Neville backing Arsenal to see off Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium if they produce their best form.

The Gunners enjoyed a flawless run of form in the first half of the season after they amassed 50 points from 19 games.

However, they appear to have hit a somewhat rough patch in recent days, with the side dropping points against Brentford and Everton.