Man City vs. Arsenal team news and line-ups: Stones and Walker injury blow as Saka begins with former Etihad star

Manchester City and Arsenal return from the international break for the biggest game of the season when they fight at the Etihad on Sunday.

The two teams are separated by just a point, with ten Premier League games to go ahead of their title showdown six-pointer. This encounter in April proved to be the Gunners’ undoing in last season’s title chase, as Mikel Arteta’s team were pounded 4-1.

The costly defeat left City just two points behind with two games in hand and ultimately provided the final nail in the proverbial coffin. However, Pep Guardiola’s players have come unstuck against a steelier Arsenal this time around, who have previously beaten them twice.

The North Londoners triumphed in the Community Shield before a 1-0 victory in October’s reverse game, which will give them fresh optimism.

Guardiola has multiple fitness problems to worry about, as Stefan Ortega will be asked to substitute in goal for the injured Ederson. City captain Kyle Walker is in contention to play despite incurring a hamstring injury 20 minutes into England’s defeat to Brazil.

He subsequently withdrew from international duties, although the condition isn’t considered to be too serious. Manuel Akanji was waiting in the wings to replace Walker if needed, but he has picked up a knock on international duty too.