Man City dressing room doubts over Arsenal credentials set up fascinating subplot to title showdown

Arsenal thought they were kicking Manchester City out of the title race by parking the bus at the Etihad last season. Instead, by stifling the Blues, they in fact scuppered their own chances.

The 0-0 in March was set up to be a modern-day classic in the middle of a thrilling three-horse race. But Arsenal played the occasion and not the game, abandoning their usual attacking flair and replacing it with defence. In that sense, it was mission accomplished.

Liverpool ended that day two points clear of the Gunners, however, and City were emboldened by Arsenal's fear of them that they made up the three-point deficit to first and won the title on the final day. So what happens this season?

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For the first meeting of the title contenders this season, Arsenal travel to the Etihad without captain Martin Odegaard and having seen their preparations hampered by a Thursday-night trip to Italy in the Champions League. City have a day more to prepare, and were at home this week, so will be fresher in theory.

Kevin De Bruyne is an injury doubt after limping off against Inter Milan, and there is another doubt in the City dressing room as attentions turned to Arsenal.

"I cannot tell you, I really don't know how they will play," Josko Gvardiol admitted, referring to Arsenal's surprising change in approach last season. "We need to prepare in two or three ways just to be sure."

Ruben Dias echoed his defensive colleague. "We'll see what they'll do. Whatever they decide to do we'll be ready. We definitely know that that Arsenal is a