How Man City should line up against Arsenal in Premier League blockbuster

Manchester City take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday in what is bound to be an enthralling encounter.

City battled and eventually vanquished Arsenal for the title last season and the Gunners remain contenders this time around, currently sitting just a point behind the leaders. Though this season's title won't be won or lost in October, a win against a top rival can certainly give you all the momentum.

A quirk in the calendar meant the two sides didn't face off in the league until February in the last campaign and City's victory was a turning point in the race. Pep Guardiola is once again without the crucial Rodri for Sunday's trip to the Emirates, though.

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Kevin De Bruyne also remains sidelined while the manager admitted John Stones is not yet ready to play despite returning to the matchday squad for the midweek win over RB Leipzig. "No, Stones is not ready to play, maybe for national team but not for us," the manager said.

"Different timings because he [De Bruyne] comes in for treatment but I see him every day and he's getting better, his mood is good. Hopefully sooner than expected he will be back."

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Simon Bajkowski

Rico Lewis ran the game against RB Leipzig and has emerged as the best option to cover for Rodri's absence. If City are going to continue with both Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden playing centrally, they need more defensive cover than Mateo Kovacic provided against Wolves.

Stones would also be an option if he had more minutes under his