The Manchester City Lineup That Should Start Against Arsenal This Weekend

Manchester City will be looking to get back on track when they welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

It's been an underwhelming opening to the new campaign for Pep Guardiola's side, picking up just four points from their first three games. Things will need to improve soon if they wish to reclaim the Premier League title after last season's drop-off.

Tielemans struck home a penalty to make it 5-2 to Leicester at the Etihad / James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

However, standing in their way is an Arsenal side in high spirits. The Gunners currently sit in fourth place, winning three of their opening four as well as progressing to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will know all about Pep Guardiola's tactics, having worked as his assistant for three years.

Last time the two sides met, the north Londoners came out on top, defeating the Cityzens 2-0 in July's FA Cup semi-final. However, Man City had won the previous seven meetings.

This is the XI that Guardiola could field to face the Gunners.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Dias will probably make his home debut for City / JASON CAIRNDUFF/Getty Images

Ederson (GK) - The Brazilian is three games off hitting the 150-mark for Man City. The former Benfica man came to Manchester in 2017, and has since established himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers.

Joao Cancelo (RB) - With Kyle Walker looking shaky on international duty against Denmark, Joao Cancelo could be given the nod for this weekend. Cancelo appeared to be at his best while playing for Portugal.

Ruben Dias (CB) - Possibly lining up alongside his compatriot is summer signing Ruben Dias. The Portuguese is set to make his home debut for Manchester City.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) - The Frenchman's next appearance will be the 350th of his career. He is undoubtedly the most reliable defender on City's books.

Benjamin Mendy (LB) - With Oleksandr Zinchenko expected to miss out, Benjamin Mendy should complete what is probably the most expensively assembled back four of all time.

2. Midfielders

Foden was excluded from the latest England squad / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Rodri (CM) - The Spaniard had an underwhelming international break, coming on as a late substitute in the victory over Switzerland before falling to a 1-0 loss against Ukraine.

Fernandinho (CM) - One more goal for the Brazilian will take him to 50 league strikes in his career. However, it is his defensive prowess that he is best known for.

Phil Foden (CM) - After missing out on England's latest Nations League fixtures due to disciplinary sanctions, the youngster should be fully fit and ready for Saturday's game.

3. Forwards

Bernardo Silva has fallen down the pecking order at Man City / MIGUEL MEDINA/Getty Images

Bernardo Silva (RW) - With Kevin De Bruyne out injured, it could be up to Bernardo Silva to provide the creative spark. The winger was once one of the standouts in this City side, winning the club's Player of the Year award in 2019. However, he has lost his way a little bit since then.

Raheem Sterling (ST) - Despite withdrawing from international duty, Raheem Sterling is expected to be fit for Saturday's clash. With Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined, expect the Englishman to fill in up front again.

Ferran Torres (LW) - The 20-year-old has made a solid start to his career in England since signing in the summer window, scoring once and assisting twice in three starts.