(4-3-3): Merino and Calafiori starts but but Raya, Saka and Rice benched due to fitness issue as Arteta names a very dangerous lineup against Man City.

The biggest game of the Premier League season arrives on Sunday afternoon as reigning champions Manchester City host last term’s runners-up Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola’s side are the only team in the division with a perfect record after four successive victories but they will be offered their sternest test yet when Mikel Arteta’s men turn up at the Etihad. Arsenal shaded meetings between the two sides last term, winning at the Emirates Stadium and in the Community Shield and earning a draw on the road.

Man City were frustrated midweek when they hosted Inter in the Champions League – a repeat of the 2022/23 final – and had to settle for a point on home soil. Arsenal also took part in a goalless draw against Italian opposition, with David Raya the hero after saving a penalty against Atalanta.

The Gunners produced a perfect away performance to beat north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur last weekend as Gabriel netted the winner in a composed 1-0 victory. A similar result on Sunday would be welcomed with open arms, and would see Arsenal leapfrog Man City in the table.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Man City

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Man City (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard.