Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey should win his race to be fit after returning to training following a calf problem, though Unai Emery does have concerns at left-back. Nacho Monreal faces a race against time to be fit for this one due to a knee injury, whilst Seas Kolasinac will definitely miss out with a knee problem of his own. Captain Laurent Koscielny remians sidelined with an achilles injury, meaning new boy Sokratis Papastathopoulos could make his debut at the back. Petr Cech's impressive pre-season displays could be enough to earn him the gloves, whilst Lucas Torreira could make his Premier League debut in midfield.
Manchester City: Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne returned to training this week after being handed an extended break due to their World Cup exploits, but it remains to be seen if they will be included from the start. Club-record signing Riyad Mahrez could make his first appearance for the club, whilst midfielder starlet Phil Foden will be hoping to retain his place following an eye-catching performance in the Community Shield victory over Chelsea.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery on Pep Guardiola:
"After two years with [Pep] Guardiola, they [City] have more stability and security. When you watch their matches, they play with great confidence in themselves and also I think Guardiola's coaching is clear in this team.
"I am 46, he is 47. He started his career as a bigger player than me. His career as a coach is bigger than me."
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on Unai Emery:
"He [Emery] is an excellent manager. What he achieved - three Europa Leagues in a row - is excellent. He is a good manager and it is good for the Premier League.
"Our target is: try to win as much as we can and in April and May, we will see [the outcome]. If we are good and consistent like last season, we have a good chance."
Did you know?
Arsenal have won just two of their last 12 games against Manchester City (W2, D5, L5).
Arsenal's only defeat in their last 11 home Premier League games came against City (W8, D2, L1).
The reigning champions have finished outside the top four the following season for the last three years in a row.
City have lost just once in 20 Premier Legaue games away from home (W17, D2, L1).
Pep Guardiola is unbeaten in 10 previous meetings with Unai Emery (W6, D4, L0).
Form:
Possible lineups:
Arsenal: Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Sokratis, Maitland-Niles; Ramsey, Torreira, Xhaka; Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Ozil.
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy; Fenandinho, Gundogan, Foden; B.Silva, Aguero, Sane.