Mikel Arteta makes Declan Rice prediction ahead of Arsenal vs Man City amid Rodri absence

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Declan Rice has the ability to take control of the midfield battle in Sunday’s clash with Manchester City amid the absence of Rodri.

The Blues midfielder is set to miss the final game of his three-match suspension this weekend following his red card for violent conduct against Nottingham Forest last month. The Spaniard was able to feature in the midweek Champions League win over RB Leipzig with domestic bans not applying in Europe.

Meanwhile, Rice has managed to play twice since coming off against Tottenham a fortnight ago with a calf complaint. He is fit for the visit of the champions. Arsenal paid £105million to West Ham for the England star this summer and Arteta has been pleased with his start to life at the Emirates.

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The Gunners boss is hopeful that Rice can command the play in the absence of Rodri, who was pivotal to City’s Treble success last season. “We know what Rodri does. Everyone has described him as one of the best holding midfielders in the world, if not the best - there’s no doubt about that,” Arteta said on Friday.

“But I am extremely pleased with Declan. He can occupy different positions but I think he has been really, really good as a holding midfielder. And yes, he has the qualities, the presence, the communication and the understanding to be a top, top player for us in that position.

“When you pay that sum of money you hope that they adapt really quickly. But there are certain things that are very different. But overall he has adapted really fast.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka is in contention for selection