The Premier League returns with two games on 17th June after a 100-day absence with the reigning champions Manchester City lock horns with Arsenal in a clash of heavyweights at Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola will be hoping to consolidate his side’s standing in second after conceding the title to champions-elect Liverpool will be focused on distancing themselves from Leicester City, just four points behind in third.

Manchester City Spanish coach faces a difficult challenge in former assistant manager Mikel Arteta and his Gunners side.

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Cityzen are set to restart their 2019-20 Premier League campaign with a clean injury slate with Aymeric Laporte is back after an injury and should be fit to play against the Gunners.

Similarly, Leroy Sane is also available after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), while John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne, who were injured in Manchester City’s last Premier game, are also back.

Arsenal coach Arteta does not have any new injury with Callum Chambers is out of action because of the injury he picked up earlier in the Premier season while Lucas Torreira remains a doubtful starter. 

Cedric Soares could make his debut but will be wearing a mask after suffering a facial injury. Kieran Tierney is also back to fitness after suffering a dislocated shoulder.

Head to Head

Arsenal have historically had the upper hand over Manchester City, but in recent times it’s been the reigning champions who have dominated having won the past six meetings between the clubs – scoring at least three goals in five of them.

The reverse fixture this season saw a Kevin De Bruyne masterclass blow Gunners away 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, with all three goals coming in the first half.

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Manchester City will be hoping to get back to winning ways after losing the Manchester derby the last time they took to the pitch, but they have fared quite well since the turn of the year – only losing to Spurs and United.

Arsenal have managed to avoid defeat in the league in 2020, but damaging draws against Sheffield United, Burnley and Crystal Palace have disrupted their chase for European football – as did their shock defeat to Olympiakos in the Europa League.

Man City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Mari, Luiz, Tierney; Ceballos, Xhaka; Pepe, Ozil, Aubameyang; Lacazette

source:- fcnaija